ISLAMABAD, November 12, 2024: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has raised alarm over the worsening smog and air pollution in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, warning that the issue has reached a critical point and demands immediate attention.
Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss the escalating smog crisis, which has been causing significant harm to public health and the environment.
Senior officials from key organizations, including the World Bank, Punjab Planning and Development Department, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), Ministry of Environment, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), participated in the meeting.
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During the meeting, Iqbal described the growing air pollution as a direct consequence of human behavior, emphasizing that unless there is a shift in public practices, the smog problem will have severe long-term effects on both the health of citizens and the nation’s economy.
He warned that continued inaction could significantly hinder Pakistan’s GDP growth and contribute to widespread health issues.
“The smog is not just a health issue; it’s an economic threat,” Iqbal said. “The longer we delay addressing this problem, the more severe the consequences will be for the country’s development and public well-being.”
Iqbal identified several key contributors to the smog, including cross-border pollution, vehicle emissions, crop burning, and rapid urban development.
He stressed the need for a coordinated, national approach to tackle these issues, calling for joint efforts from federal and provincial governments, as well as input from academia, environmental experts, and civil society.
The minister further highlighted that even regions once considered free from significant pollution, such as Gilgit-Baltistan, were now being impacted by deteriorating air quality.
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He warned that the growing pollution problem could have devastating consequences for the future if not addressed urgently.
Iqbal pointed out that while there is no shortage of knowledge or expertise in the country regarding environmental protection, the main challenge lies in the implementation of existing policies.
He urged all relevant institutions to work together to enforce measures that can effectively reduce smog and improve air quality.
