As Pakistan faces a myriad of socio-political, economic, and security challenges, the growing threat of climate-induced issues, particularly air pollution, is casting a long shadow over the nation’s health and well-being. The latest findings from the annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) have highlighted the severe impact of worsening air quality on the life expectancy of Pakistanis.
Air Pollution: A Growing Threat to Health
According to the AQLI 2024 report, Pakistan, a key part of South Asia—the world’s most polluted region—is experiencing a significant rise in particulate pollution levels. The report reveals that Pakistanis are now exposed to pollution levels that are 22.3% higher than those at the turn of the century. This alarming increase is particularly concerning given the well-documented health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), which includes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The report emphasizes that virtually the entire population of Pakistan breathes air that fails to meet the national PM2.5 standard, set at 15 µg/m³. The consequences of this widespread pollution are dire: if Pakistan were to meet its own air quality standards, the life expectancy of its citizens could increase by an average of 2.3 years.
However, the situation is even more critical when comparing Pakistan’s air quality to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines, which are more stringent. The AQLI update notes that in 2022, the PM2.5 concentration in Pakistan was 38.9 µg/m³—a 10% decrease from 2021 but still far above safe levels. If Pakistan were to meet the WHO guidelines, the average resident could gain an additional 3.3 years of life. In Peshawar, the country’s most polluted city, residents could see an increase in life expectancy of up to 5.6 years.
Causes of Increasing Air Pollution
The report underscores several factors contributing to the rise in air pollution across Pakistan. One of the most significant contributors is the explosive growth in the number of vehicles on the road, which has nearly quadrupled since the early 2000s. This surge in vehicular traffic has led to increased emissions, further deteriorating air quality in urban areas.
Additionally, the report highlights the extensive use of fossil fuels for electricity generation as another major factor exacerbating air pollution. The reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production has resulted in higher levels of particulate matter and other pollutants being released into the atmosphere, further compromising air quality.
A Global Perspective on Air Pollution
The AQLI 2024 report places Pakistan’s air quality issues within a broader global context, revealing that air pollution is the "greatest external threat to human life expectancy” worldwide. The report indicates that individuals living in the most polluted regions of the world are exposed to air that is six times more polluted than those in the least polluted areas. This stark disparity in air quality has a profound impact on global health, with the report estimating that life expectancy is reduced by an average of 2.7 years for people in the most polluted areas compared to those in cleaner environments.
The report also notes that out of 252 countries and territories analyzed, 94 had national air quality standards. However, 37 of these countries, representing 30% of the world’s population, failed to meet their own standards, highlighting the global challenge of addressing air pollution.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan grapples with the dual challenges of rapid urbanization and industrialization, the need for effective air quality management has never been more urgent. The findings of the AQLI report serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. Addressing air pollution requires comprehensive policies and concerted efforts at both national and local levels, including the promotion of cleaner energy sources, stricter emissions controls, and increased public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality.
The report calls for immediate action to curb air pollution and protect the health of Pakistan’s citizens. Failure to do so could lead to further declines in life expectancy and an increase in pollution-related illnesses, exacerbating the existing public health crisis. As the world continues to confront the challenges of climate change, Pakistan’s experience underscores the critical need for global cooperation and sustained efforts to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
