A new survey by Ipsos reveals that nearly 70% of Pakistan’s population is suffering from health issues linked to the ongoing smog crisis, with the most common symptoms including cough, flu, and breathing difficulties.
The survey, conducted from November 18 to 22, found that over half of respondents in urban areas and around 67% in rural areas have been affected by smog-related health problems. This worsening air quality has triggered significant public concern, particularly in Punjab, where the situation was declared a calamity and “health emergency” last month.
Smog impact on daily life
According to the Ipsos report, titled Smog in Pakistan: Awareness, Perceptions, and Practices, a staggering 79% of the 1,000 individuals surveyed from across Pakistan reported experiencing smog in the past month, with residents in Lahore reporting 100% exposure. The survey highlights that over one-third of the population has had their daily routines, work life, and social activities disrupted by the persistent smog.
The most affected areas are Punjab, particularly Lahore and Rawalpindi, with these cities regularly reaching hazardous levels on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Health issues due to smog
Nearly seven in 10 people or 70% in the country are facing health issues because of smog with the most common symptoms being cough, flu and breathing difficulties, according to the survey reported.
According to the report, the most commonly reported health issues include coughing (68%), flu (66%), difficulty breathing (37%), and eye irritation (29%).
During the last month, nearly two million people visited hospitals and clinics across Punjab with breathing problems and other respiratory diseases in a month as record-breaking smog choked the province. Meanwhile, UNICEF has warned thar over 11 million children under the age of five in Punjab province face serious health risks due to extremely polluted air.
Causes and public sentiment
When asked about the causes of the smog, 70% of respondents cited vehicular emissions as the primary contributor, followed by industrial smoke (63%) and waste burning (37%). However, many respondents also identified a lack of public cooperation and ineffective law enforcement as major barriers to combating smog. Around 44% of those surveyed believed that stronger public engagement and enforcement of regulations could help mitigate the issue.
Public support for action
The survey showed strong support for personal responsibility in combating smog, with 80% of respondents agreeing that they should contribute to reducing air pollution. Among those with vehicles, 90% were willing to cooperate with government requests to repair their cars and obtain certification to reduce emissions. Nearly half of participants indicated a readiness to switch to walking or public transport to lower their environmental impact.
World Bank partnership and collaborative efforts
Separately, the World Bank has pledged its support to Pakistan in the development of a comprehensive anti-smog strategy, recognizing the long-term health and environmental risks posed by the severe pollution. During a meeting held on November 20, 2024, World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi agreed to establish a joint task force that will create the anti-smog plan, which will focus on identifying the key drivers of pollution and implementing effective, sustainable solutions.
Naqvi welcomed the World Bank’s cooperation and reiterated the importance of identifying the root causes of smog through international assessments. “We are keen to control air pollution with the help of the World Bank,” he said, emphasizing that improving air quality in Islamabad was a priority.
The task force will consist of experts from both the World Bank and Pakistan’s Capital Development Authority (CDA). The World Bank’s involvement includes providing technical expertise and funding to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards, as well as facilitating better coordination between government agencies and the private sector. This collaboration aims to tackle the root causes of smog, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop burning.