Pakistan Ranks Third Most Polluted Country Worldwide Amid Smog Crisis in 2024
Pakistan has been ranked as the third most polluted nation in the 2024 World Air Quality Report, primarily due to a severe smog crisis affecting public health. Major cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar are critically impacted, with 70% of the population reporting health issues. Experts are calling for urgent governmental action to address air quality deterioration.
Pakistan has been classified as the third most polluted nation globally as of 2024, significantly affected by a severe smog crisis that has had dire implications on public health. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from IQAir, Pakistan ranks behind Chad and Bangladesh, with a troubling average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, which is nearly 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.
The crisis has particularly impacted Punjab, where the situation has escalated to a “calamity” level, leading to nearly two million individuals seeking medical assistance for pollution-related health problems. The government has responded by implementing lockdowns and closing schools in severely polluted areas. Notably, overall air pollution levels in Pakistan remained unchanged from the previous year despite the deteriorating smog condition.
Key cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar have been marked as the worst affected in Central and South Asia, with multiple factors contributing to the high pollution rates, including biomass burning, industrial emissions, and transportation issues. In contrast, Karachi experienced a modest decrease in PM2.5 levels, dropping from over 55 μg/m³ to approximately 46 μg/m³ in the same period.
An alarming statistic from an Ipsos survey indicated that approximately 70% of the Pakistani populace has reported health issues linked to smog exposure. This data underscores the urgent need for policy changes to address the persistent decline in air quality and safeguard public health. Environmental experts are advocating for immediate action to confront the escalating air pollution crisis.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s dire air quality situation, underscored by its ranking as the third most polluted country in the world and exacerbated by a severe smog crisis, has reached critical levels impacting public health. Key urban centers are particularly afflicted, and a substantial portion of the population suffers from pollution-related health problems. Immediate policy measures are essential to mitigate this escalating crisis and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
