Pakistan takes actions to tackle rising smog, air pollution for healthy future

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Amid rising smog and air pollution in various districts of Pakistan, the country has been taking comprehensive actions with an emphasis on ensuring effective implementation to build a healthy and clean future, according to Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal.
Expressing serious concerns about the worsening impacts of smog in the country, the minister said during a meeting on Tuesday that smog and air pollution will lead to severe consequences if not taken seriously, posing a risk to public health as well as Pakistan’s gross domestic product growth rate.
He said that a coordinated strategy among federal and provincial institutions, academia, and other stakeholders is being devised to tackle the issue, adding that all institutions are working together to address the issue while promoting environmental awareness at the public level.
Highlighting the main causes of smog and air pollution, Iqbal said that cross-border pollution, vehicle emissions, crop burning, and urban development are the primary culprits, adding that the negative effects of smog on public health and daily life underlined the need for awareness campaigns so that every citizen becomes mindful of their environment and personal practices.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a smog advisory, saying due to prevailing atmospheric conditions of higher humidity, low wind speed, and increased upper atmospheric pressure, smog conditions are expected to persist throughout November and December in parts of the country. ■