KARACHI:
As the winter sun struggles to pierce through the thick veil of smog enveloping our city, a familiar dread settles in. The vibrant hues of the sky have bled into a dull, hazy grey and the air, once crisp and invigorating, hangs heavy with a poisonous cocktail of pollutants. This is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it’s a public health crisis, an economic burden and a stark reminder of the environmental neglect we’ve sown.
Each breath feels like a betrayal, a scratchy rasp against the tender lining of our lungs. Children playing outside return home with stinging eyes and burning throats. The elderly, vulnerable to respiratory woes, are confined indoors, their walks replaced by worried glances at the smog-choked horizon. Flights are grounded, businesses suffer losses and tourism takes a nosedive. The vibrant tapestry of our city, usually humming with life, is reduced to a muted scene shrouded in unsettling silence. The smog, a toxic stew of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants and agricultural burning chokes not just our lungs but also the lifeblood of our economy.
The growing public outcry, the tireless efforts of environmental activists and the nascent initiatives by policymakers are testaments to our collective will to fight back. Citizens can play a crucial role in this fight by walking, cycling or using public transport instead of their cars. We can demand stricter regulations on polluting industries and support sustainable practices. We can raise awareness, educate our communities and hold our leaders accountable.
Kashish Shaikh
Larkana
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2023.
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