Urban and peri-urban areas in Pakistan are facing grossly deteriorating air quality. Even semi-urban belts surrounding major cities now face dangerous pollution levels. Air has become nearly 99% toxic in major urban centres.
Each year, cities like Lahore remain smothered in hazardous smog for three to four months, crippling mobility and causing economic losses in the billions. A major contributor is the overwhelming number of outdated, poorly maintained vehicles. Though the Sindh government has introduced a few color-coded bus services, these remain a drop in the ocean.
I recently produced a short video for my Social Clinic titled “Walk and Win”, encouraging walking as a healthy, smog-reducing alternative. Such behavioural-change campaigns are essential. Provincial governments could incentivise citizens by offering “carbon credits” — for instance, rewarding individuals who walk 3–5 kilometres daily instead of using vehicles. This would improve public health while reducing emissions.
In line with international commitments like SDGs, climate goals, including those discussed at COP29, governments earn carbon credits for lowering emissions through tree plantation and greenhouse-gas mitigation. Local authorities can adapt this approach by pedestrianising commercial roads. The Planning and Development Departments should lead by launching practical, environment-friendly initiatives: “Walk & Win” campaigns, urban tree-plantation drives, expanded and efficient public transport, and public spaces for community well-being.
By shifting the focus from concrete to climate, our government can begin addressing the urgent environmental challenges threatening our cities and our future.
Aijaz Ali Khuwaja
Karachi
