Assignment

Air Pollution in Pakistan

Environmental Science – Asif Rehman

MUHAMMAD HAMZAH KHAN HAYASHI BS61-7406

GREENWICH UNIVERSITY
KARACHI
 Assignment

Introduction
Pakistan is one of the most populated countries of South Asia and it is going through
motorization and enhanced utilization of energy. Quality of life and human health in large urban
centers is damaged by air pollution and also contributed to degradation of environment. In
Pakistan, top priority environmental issues are air pollution, water scarcity, lack of sanitation and
hygienic conditions. As a result of these problems public have to face problems like higher
premature mortalities and learning disabilities. Pakistan is already going through a critical period
concerning political, economic issues, etc. but environmental pollution adds insult to injury in it
because pollution is becoming a major issue for the whole population of the country. The
pollution is getting worse with the increase in population in the country.

Air pollution sources:

Industries

Sufficient amount of air pollutants is emitting to air from those industries which are burning
fossil fuel as a source of energy. Major contributors of poor quality of air are large-scale
factories which use furnace oil having higher sulfur contents, some which are cement industries,
fertilizer plants, sugar industries, steel mills and power plants. Large number of small or medium
scale industries like waste recycles plants, brick kilns, re-rolling steel mills, recycling of steel
and plastic forming factories are also contributed at higher rates in urban air pollution. These
industries also produce huge amounts of industrial waste comprises of wood, plastic, paper and
tires. To overcome the electricity shortage problem usage of small diesel power generators also
added-up in air pollution. Low or no maintenance of industrial appliances like boiler or generator
also causes air pollution.

Burning of solid waste

Non-point sources like burning of solid waste also caused air pollution in Pakistan. According to
estimations there is daily basis generation of about 54,000 tons solid waste is observed in
Pakistan, most of which is burned for waste reduction. This unethical and unaware burning of
solid waste led to the production of toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter
(PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment.

Agriculture

In Pakistan burning of crop residual is common practice followed by farmers which contributed
to air pollution by producing particulate matter. Particulate matter in air causes some serious
issues to human health and environment like production of smog, respiratory diseases, eye
irritation, dust and many others.

Traffic
 Assignment

Vehicle emission is one of the root cause of air pollution in Pakistan. Public transport is a sector
which is neglected in Pakistan not only by the government but also by the people. They continue
to travel in buses from the 1960s. There is no department or authority to check the quality of
vehicles on road. Public transport like old buses/rickshaws or trucks are poorly maintained in
Pakistan and create air pollution on daily basis.

Solution to air pollution in Pakistan

Usage of air friendly products can help in reducing air pollution. Limited consumption of fossil
fuels such as natural gas, coal and gasoline is the key factor to reduce air pollution. Our
government should take initiatives to support clean air programs and bring awareness regarding
air pollution and its causes and effects. Reforestation is also the major precaution to reduce air
pollution because it stores carbon dioxide from the air which is considered the major pollutant.
Traffic quality assurance department should be set up and heavy fines should be made against
any vehicle violating air quality rules. Green initiatives like maintaining public parks and
growing trees should be promoted. Waste burning should be banned in public. Proper structure
should be made in order to remove waste so that it damages the air quality less.