With a brief relief from the annoying polluted air, everyone is curious to know if Smog in Pakistan will be back anywhere soon. As it costs almost 6% of the GDP in the form of health expenses, and loss of educational and commercial activities. The answer is unclear however a few steps can stop it coming back next year. Before we dwell deep, MGC Blog will discuss a few concepts. 

What is Smog & its Effects?

Smog is a type of air pollution, a combination of two words smoke and fog. It is an interesting photochemical process, a reaction between sunlight and pollutants in the air. These reactants include Nitrogen Dioxide and some Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). 

From Cars to Cosmetics: Causes of Smog

There are various causes of smog including carbon-emitting vehicles, deforestation, plastic burning, fossil fuel burning, manufacturing buildings, and outdated methods in agriculture and industries. According to data, the transport emissions in Lahore contributed to 83.15% of total emissions in 2022. 

Our cars are responsible for releasing Nitrogen Oxides into the air, while coal plants and factory emissions also contribute to air pollution. On the other hand, many daily life products use VOCs including;

Formaldehyde: used for resins in building materials, in coatings for clothing and paper, and released by petrol or diesel cars

Ethanol: used in glass cleaners, dishwashing and laundry detergents 

Acetone: used in cosmetics, nail polish removers, furniture polish, wallpapers, 

Gasoline: emitted by wood burning, industries, oil and gas extraction, and processing

Effects of Smog in Asian Country

During recent years, the air quality in various cities of Asian Tiger including Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar has been badly impacted by the smog in Pakistan. Lahore was unfortunately declared the world’s most polluted city in November 2024 when the Air Quality Index reading surpassed 1,400. As people craved to see a clear sky, poor air quality caused coughs to some, and a cleaner vision was needed to plan for an anti-smog Pakistan. The effects of smog are hard to ignore;

Health Effects: Lung infections, asthma, Colds, and eye problems

Environmental Effects: Polluted air, less economic activities

Agricultural Effects: Less sunlight due to smog affects crop production

Steps by Government for Smogless Punjab

Smog in Pakistan has blurred many cities including Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi. Carbon-emitting vehicles and poor-health transport are factors contributing to air pollution. As the government plans to ensure a Smogless Punjab and Smogless Pakistan, new initiatives have been taken regarding the transport system including;

• E-buses for Lahore and Punjab
• Vehicle Fitness Certification
• Turning Agricultural Waste into Biogas
• Transition to low-emission Fuels and Vehicles

Steps to Stop Smog in Pakistan Coming Back Next Year

After everything faded, Smog in Pakistan became a cozy matter of discussion in the streets and the power corridors. Suggestions float in from every corner of the country yet more willingness is required to implement the recommendations. 

Trees Can Be The Saviors From Smog in Pakistan

Planting trees and creating greener spaces can help clean the environment, and provide us pure breathing air. 

Green Skills Can Help Fight Smoke

The global north has been advocating green skills as a major weapon to fight smog in the global south including Pakistan. The most in-demand green skills include green building development as construction contributed 2% to the GDP and is a major industry.

Other green skills include environment advocacy, carbon footprinting, use of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable real estate. There is a need to create awareness among employers and industries about the long-term economic benefits of sustainable practices. 

Use of Electric Vehicles 

As we discussed above, vehicle exhausts release Nitrogen Oxide in the air which is a major reactant causing smog and air pollution. Therefore, Pakistan must shift to electric battery vehicles, as petrol and diesel cars release carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide causing air pollution. Also, the government must promote the idea of using public transport instead of cars to minimize carbon footprints. 

Improve Waste Disposal

Waste management is a major course of action that can save the earth from many problems including smog in Pakistan. Public awareness about proper waste disposal can help save the environment, and plastic or fossil burning must be prohibited through laws and regulations. 

Skip The Smog Effects

How to stay safe from Smog in Pakistan, as it will continue to play hide and seek in the coming years. It is important to skip the annoying clouds as much as possible through simple precautions;

Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities
Wear masks outdoor
Wash hands, face, and eyes frequently
Use eyewear to avoid eye irritation
Wear full sleeves clothes
Drink plenty of water
Motorists must wear face masks and goggles