Lahore
Turning Gray Skies Blue
As successfully done by Beijing, reversing smog is possible through a long-term, multipronged action plan.
Recurring smog during autumn and winter poses severe health risks to millions of residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic pulmonary diseases. Smog aggravates respiratory issues, increases hospital admissions, and reduces life expectancy. Besides, smog disrupts daily activities, affecting businesses, education, and transportation. The economic costs of air pollution include increased healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and reduced agricultural yields due to crop damage.
In recent years, impactful legislation, strict enforcement, and green technologies have helped many national and subnational governments transform smoke—and dust-filled air into healthy air and blue skies. Notable success stories include Paris, Seoul, New York, Bogotá, and Accra. Among these, Beijing is a compelling case study demonstrating how a multipronged strategy can restore breathable air and reduce health risks for a large urban population.
The “Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan,” launched in 2013, was a turning point for Beijing. Aiming to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5) and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, the plan targeted both Beijing and its surrounding regions with a three-year timeline. Enforcing stricter environmental laws, the plan held local governments and industries accountable for compliance with air quality standards. Heavy fines and shutdowns were implemented for violations. The ultimate goal was to “Win the Blue-Sky War” by 2018.
Beijing’s efforts included phasing out coal, transitioning to clean energy, and shutting down its last coal-fired power plant in 2017. The government replaced coal-fired heating systems in residential areas with natural gas or electricity, particularly during winter when coal burning contributed heavily to smog. Investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power reduced dependency on fossil fuels. High-polluting industries like steel manufacturing and cement production were either relocated, retrofitted with advanced pollution-control technologies, or permanently shut down.
Stringent vehicle emission standards comparable to those in the European Union were adopted in the transportation sector. Older vehicles that failed to meet the standards were removed from the roads. Beijing introduced policies to cap new vehicle registrations, expanded its subway network, added bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, and promoted electric buses and taxis. Subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) purchases and charging infrastructure further encouraged residents to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles.
A comprehensive network of air quality monitoring stations was established, tracking pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NOx, and ozone in real-time. Transparency in sharing air quality data fostered accountability and public engagement.
According to a 2023 report by the Urban Unit of the Government of Pakistan, the primary sources of particulate emissions in Lahore include transportation (83%), industry (9%), commercial sector (0.14%), domestic sector (0.11%), and the burning of crop residues (3.9%) and waste (3.6%). Together, these sources account for more than 99% of Lahore’s air pollution. The transport sector alone is the single largest contributor.
Earlier studies, such as the 2018 regional emissions inventory for Punjab by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), identified key emission sources in 11 districts, including Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot. Together, these cities contribute approximately 0.62 million metric tonnes of emissions annually. Crop residue burning, widely practiced in Punjab during October and November, emitted about 116,000 tonnes of carbon monoxide in 2018 and is a major cause of winter smog. By contrast, the power sector is the least polluting, emitting 74,000 tonnes of emissions annually.
As of March 2024, data from the Punjab government shows that over 24 million vehicles are registered in the province, including 97,000 buses, 83,000 trucks, and 567,000 tractors—most of which use diesel. Lahore alone accounts for 7.31 million registered vehicles. This massive vehicle volume, poor fuel standards, and outdated technology significantly worsen air quality.
Lessons from Beijing for Lahore
Beijing’s and other cities’ examples illustrate that reversing smog is possible through a long-term, multipronged action plan. For Lahore and other polluted cities in Pakistan, a similar approach, tailored to local conditions, is needed. The following measures may have to be adopted to address the lingering issue.
Immediate steps must be taken to remove outdated and non-compliant vehicles from the roads, particularly heavy goods transport and public buses. Subsidies and incentives for electric cars, motorcycles, and rickshaws can encourage a shift toward cleaner transportation. Developing EV charging infrastructure is crucial. Expanding Lahore’s metro and bus rapid transit systems will reduce reliance on private vehicles. Introducing electric buses and taxis can further lower emissions. Like Beijing, Pakistan must adopt and enforce stricter emission standards for new and existing vehicles.
High-polluting industries should be relocated to less populated areas. Industries must install scrubbers and filters to control emissions. Industrial units should transition from diesel and coal to natural gas and renewable energy. Regular inspections and heavy penalties for non-compliance should be implemented.
The “Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan,” launched in 2013, was a turning point for Beijing. Aiming to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5) and oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, the plan targeted both Beijing and its surrounding regions with a three-year timeline.
Drones and satellite imagery should be used to monitor and prevent crop residue burning. Farmers should be provided with alternatives, such as subsidized mulching equipment. Proper waste collection and disposal systems must be established to prevent open-air waste burning.
Gradually phase out coal-fired power plants and increase investments in solar, wind, and hydropower. Urban areas should be encouraged to adopt rooftop solar installations. Incentivize energy-efficient appliances and buildings to reduce overall energy demand.
Establish more air quality monitoring stations across Punjab to track pollutants in real-time. Make air quality data publicly available to foster accountability and enable informed decision-making.
Public awareness and citizen engagement are vital for understanding the economic and health costs of smog or air pollution. Raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution and ways individuals can contribute, such as carpooling or reducing waste. Encourage local communities to report violations, such as illegal burning or factory emissions.
Given Pakistan’s prevailing political and economic instability, implementing the above measures, including transitioning to cleaner technologies and energy sources, which require substantial investment, may be challenging. Pakistan will need international financial assistance and public-private partnerships. Weak enforcement of environmental laws and regulations is a significant hurdle. Strengthening governance and accountability is essential. Behavioral changes have to be ensured in society through public campaigns. Convincing industries, farmers, and citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices will require sustained efforts.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s air pollution crisis, particularly in cities like Lahore, demands urgent and sustained action. Lessons from Beijing and other global success stories demonstrate that cleaner air is achievable with the right combination of policies, technology, and public participation. While challenges remain, a multipronged action plan focused on transportation, industry, and energy, coupled with vigorous enforcement and public engagement, can turn Lahore’s gray skies blue. By investing in cleaner air, Pakistan can protect its citizens’ health and foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The writer is Advisor to the Quality Assurance Program, Higher Education Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He can be reached at srsyed55@gmail.com
A New Beginning
Uphill Task
Joy of July 36
Get What We Desire!
The Way Forward
Mayor Karachi inaugurates Nestlé Pakistan & PQA Clean and Safe Drinking Water Facility
Punjab Investment Conference Ends on a Positive Note
PSL draft to take place in Gwadar
US says Pakistan developing missiles that eventually could hit US
Saudi Arabia has extracted lithium from oilfield runoffs
Pakistan Scripts Record Win Against South Africa
Dhaka wants to ‘move on from 1971’
‘Exhausted’ Syria not a threat to the world: Jolani
Extremely rare baby mammoth found in Siberia
Putin ready to meet Trump ‘anytime’ to talk Ukraine deal
KAP Launched to Revolutionize Education Through AI
Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma ‘leaving India’?
World Bank approves $800 million loan for Amaravati Development Programme
Pakistan to host West Indies for two Tests
Why Aamir Khan quit films and quietly came back
Leave a Reply