Islamabad, Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has voiced serious concerns over Pakistan’s critical air pollution levels and called for immediate action. Emphasizing the findings of an annual report by the Swiss air-monitoring organization IQAir, which placed Pakistan as the second most polluted country globally in 2023, Rehman stressed the urgent need for the implementation of the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) 2023 to mitigate the risks and reduce pollution levels to safer thresholds.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the report by IQAir highlighted that Pakistan’s air pollution levels reached an alarming 73.7 PM2.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, significantly above the recommended levels and posing severe health risks to the population. This situation persists in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, keeping them among the world’s most polluted areas even beyond the winter season.
Senator Rehman outlined the National Clean Air Policy’s ambitious goals and measures intended to combat air pollution across Pakistan. The NCAP aims to reduce PM2.5 emissions by 38% by 2030 and by 81% by 2040, compared to baseline scenarios. The policy serves as a comprehensive framework for improving national air quality, recognizing the vital role of provincial governments in its implementation and aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines established in 2021.
The NCAP proposes specific measures across five critical sectors: transportation, industry, agriculture, waste management, and residential/household practices. These include implementing Euro-5 and Euro-6 Fuel Quality Standards, enforcing emission standards for industries, preventing the burning of agricultural residues, avoiding the open burning of municipal solid waste, and promoting the use of low-emission cooking technologies.
Senator Rehman emphasized the necessity of effective implementation of these measures and called for collaboration between provincial and federal governments to achieve significant improvements in air quality and protect public health. The urgent appeal underscores a pivotal moment for Pakistan to address its air pollution crisis and work towards a healthier future for its citizens.