By: Rida Illyas
Pakistan, a country rich in natural beauty and resources, faces a multitude of environmental challenges that place significant pressure on its ecosystems, economy, and public health. The nation’s unique geography—marked by northern mountain ranges, vast plains, and a long coastline—contributes to a diverse range of ecosystems. However, these ecosystems are under increasing stress due to issues such as rapid population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and inadequate environmental policies. Addressing these growing concerns requires the adoption of sustainable practices and policies.
1. Air Pollution: A Looming Public Health Crisis
Air pollution in Pakistan has reached critical levels, particularly in urban centers like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan ranks among the countries with the worst air quality in the world. Major sources of air pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, open waste burning, and the use of low-quality fuels like coal and wood.
The resulting smog, especially in Lahore, poses severe health risks. Respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis have become widespread, and air pollution is now a leading cause of premature deaths in Pakistan. This problem worsens in winter, when thermal inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to dense smog and poor visibility. Addressing air pollution requires strict policies on vehicular emissions, promoting cleaner energy alternatives, improving public transportation, and raising public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality. Although government initiatives like banning crop residue burning and introducing Euro-5 fuel standards are positive steps, enforcement remains inconsistent.
2. Water Scarcity and Pollution: A Looming Crisis
Pakistan is facing a water crisis driven by inefficient water management, overexploitation of groundwater, and climate change. As an agrarian economy, Pakistan heavily relies on its water resources, especially the Indus River. However, inefficient irrigation practices, water theft, and pollution are rapidly depleting this vital resource.
A large portion of the population lacks access to clean drinking water. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage contribute significantly to water pollution. In cities like Karachi, surface water contamination from industrial effluents and untreated waste is widespread, making water unsafe for consumption. Additionally, excessive groundwater extraction is depleting reserves, particularly in Punjab and Sindh. Climate change has further complicated the water crisis by causing erratic rainfall patterns and altering river flows due to glacial melt. The melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges causes immediate flooding and poses a long-term threat to water availability. Pakistan’s limited water storage capacity worsens the situation, especially during droughts. To address this crisis, Pakistan must invest in water conservation, improve irrigation efficiency, enforce stricter regulations on industrial pollutants, and develop infrastructure for rainwater storage. Large projects like the Diamer-Bhasha Dam can offer some relief, but these efforts need to be complemented by local water management initiatives.
3. Deforestation and Land Degradation
Pakistan’s forests are under threat from rapid deforestation, with an annual deforestation rate of around 2.1%, among the highest in the world. Forests in regions like northern Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan have been significantly reduced due to illegal logging, timber mafia activities, and the expansion of agricultural land. Consequently, the country has lost critical biodiversity, while deforestation has led to soil erosion, desertification, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
Deforestation also contributes to climate change, as forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their loss accelerates greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating global warming. Land degradation and desertification, especially in the Thar Desert and Balochistan, are intensified by overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and deforestation. Government initiatives like the “Billion Tree Tsunami” project in KP, and its nationwide expansion under the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami,” are significant steps toward reforestation and ecosystem restoration. These programs aim to not only replenish forests but also engage local communities in sustainable forestry management practices, offering a long-term solution to deforestation and land degradation.
4. Waste Management: A Growing Urban Challenge
Solid waste management is a prominent environmental issue in Pakistan’s urban areas. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad struggle to manage increasing levels of waste, including household garbage, industrial waste, and hazardous materials. In Karachi alone, an estimated 12,000 tons of solid waste are generated daily, much of which is left uncollected or improperly disposed of.
The absence of a proper waste management system has led to open dumpsites and garbage burning, which contribute to air and water pollution. Hazardous waste, including medical and electronic waste, is often mixed with municipal waste, complicating disposal and recycling efforts. Recycling rates in Pakistan are low, and the informal sector, which includes waste pickers, plays a crucial role in salvaging recyclable materials. However, this sector lacks proper regulation and safety measures.
Conclusion
Pakistan faces significant environmental challenges that, if left unaddressed, will continue to threaten its ecosystems, economy, and public health. While initiatives such as the Billion Tree Tsunami, cleaner fuel standards, and climate policies are commendable, much more remains to be done. Sustainable development requires a coordinated approach involving stronger environmental regulations, promotion of renewable energy, improved waste and water management systems, and increased public awareness.
With climate change intensifying the urgency of these issues, Pakistan must act swiftly and decisively to protect its environment for future generations. Collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector will be essential in building a sustainable and resilient future.
