In Syed Nagar, a small town near Alipur Chatta in the Gujranwala district of Punjab, families find themselves suffocating in a toxic environment. Persistent foul odors and low visibility have become part of everyday life, as polluted air makes survival even harder for these residents. The town’s air quality, though yet to be properly evaluated, is likely filled with harmful particles and chemicals. This pollution puts not only humans at risk but also livestock, wildlife, and crops, further compounding the challenges faced by this community.
In 2017, the plight of Syed Nagar’s residents due to poor air quality was highlighted, with promises from local authorities and factory owners to address the issue. Sadly, seven years later, the situation has worsened. The residents now report a rise in respiratory issues like asthma, alongside a noticeable increase in skin and eye infections.
Syed Nagar’s experience is not unique. Across Pakistan, especially in industrial zones, countless communities suffer in silence, enduring the effects of unchecked pollution. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, offers a striking example. In areas like Korangi, home to refineries, textile factories, tanneries, and other industries, pollution levels have reached dangerous highs. The impact on local families is devastating, but for many, it feels like a battle they are powerless to fight.
The Global Perspective: A Health Crisis
Pakistan’s air pollution problem isn’t just a local issue; it reflects a global crisis. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, dirty air is causing millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. Every minute, a child dies from air pollution-related illnesses, and ten adults lose their lives to the cumulative effects of polluted air. This staggering statistic reveals that the death toll from air pollution exceeds the combined annual deaths from war, murder, accidents, and several deadly diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.
In Pakistan, the situation is particularly dire. A World Bank report highlights that the country’s urban air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, causing significant harm not only to public health but also to the economy. Lahore, one of the country’s largest cities, currently ranks second worst on the global air quality index, while Karachi holds the 11th position. These rankings place Pakistan at the center of a severe environmental health crisis.
The Industrial Contribution: Tackling Air Pollution
Pakistan’s industries contribute heavily to the nation’s pollution problem. Several official reports recognize the poor air quality in Pakistan and highlight its sources, yet a comprehensive assessment of the magnitude of industrial air pollution has yet to be conducted. Despite this, public institutions and scientists have carried out surveys in major cities, noting the harmful emissions from industries.
Majyd Aziz, former president of the UN Global Compact Network Pakistan, has been vocal about the need for businesses to address their environmental impact. He explains that many industries in Pakistan, especially textiles, have been notorious for their lack of pollution control measures. However, there has been progress, as some large-scale industrialists have started investing in technology to reduce emissions. This shift is driven in part by overseas buyer demands, as international markets increasingly prioritize environmental sustainability.
Industries are now beginning to repurpose smoke, fumes, and vapors to heat boilers and are installing emission control devices such as scrubbers and catalytic converters to minimize harmful emissions. These changes, while long overdue, offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against air pollution.
Efforts in the Textile Industry: A Step Forward
One sector that has made notable strides is the textile industry. Khurram Mukhtar, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, emphasized the industry’s proactive response to environmental challenges. Textile companies are increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, energy-efficient processes, and renewable energy sources. These efforts are part of a broader push to reduce emissions and waste, as well as conserve resources.
The use of coal, once prevalent in Punjab’s textile mills, has significantly decreased, replaced by biofuels and other renewable alternatives. Many companies are also committing to the Net Zero initiative, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. This collective responsibility among textile millers, government bodies, and environmental agencies represents a positive step toward a greener future.
The Role of Responsible Business Practices
Ehsan Malik, CEO of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), noted that most formal businesses in Pakistan are now placing a higher priority on environmental responsibility. The PBC’s Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (CERB) helps companies align their operations with global environmental and social governance (ESG) standards, which extend beyond air pollution to encompass broader sustainability goals.
To comply with these standards, companies are required to report their carbon footprints under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Additionally, banks under the State Bank’s guidelines ensure that their clients meet these environmental criteria. Larger companies, particularly exporters, are enforcing similar practices across their supply chains, driven by international market demands for products with reduced carbon footprints.
The European Union’s upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, for example, will tax goods that fail to meet environmental standards. This regulation pushes Pakistani exporters to comply with eco-friendly practices, especially those operating under the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus program.
Industrial Efforts in Monitoring and Reducing Emissions
Abdul Aleem, Secretary General of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), highlighted the compliance of OICCI members with Pakistan’s National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). These companies actively monitor their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, with an increasing focus on Scope 3 emissions to address their broader environmental impact.
Industries are investing in emission control equipment, solar energy projects, water conservation, and renewable energy initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. Many organizations have also established key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on sustainability, aiming to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and foster biodiversity.
A Collective Effort Towards Change
The air pollution crisis in Pakistan is a shared responsibility. While industries must play a central role in addressing their emissions, government bodies, environmental agencies, and local communities must collaborate to drive meaningful change. Cleaner technologies, stricter regulations, and sustainable practices can help mitigate the harmful effects of pollution, but only if all stakeholders are committed to the cause. For the residents of Syed Nagar, and countless other communities across Pakistan, the fight for clean air is far from over. As awareness grows and industries adapt, there is hope that the next generation will breathe cleaner, healthier air. But without collective action, this hope may remain out of reach, and the painful reality of living with polluted air will continue to define the lives of millions.
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