Air Pollution Shortens Lives in Pakistan, Costs 6.5% of GDP

Air pollution is taking a heavy toll on Pakistan, shortening life expectancy and draining the economy, according to a new national report. The findings come as Lahore recorded the world's worst air quality on Thursday, with an AQI of 419.

The report estimates that average life expectancy in Pakistan is falling by 3.9 years because of air pollution. Roughly 1.28 lakh people die early each year as a result. The economic burden is equally serious, with the country's gross domestic product (GDP) affected by about 6.5 percent.

The national landscape study, Unveiling Pakistan's Air Pollution, offers the first integrated look at emissions from different sectors across the country. It assesses air quality in several cities, identifies the main sources of pollution and examines the health risks involved. It also recommends practical solutions that could reduce emissions from pollution sources by up to 50 percent.

World rankings on October 29 showed Lahore at the top of the list between 10 and 11 am, with an AQI of 419. Cairo followed at 274, and Karachi was eighth with 165.

Provincial readings in Punjab show that pollution remains dangerous across many districts. Kasur had the highest AQI in the province at the time of reporting. Nankana Sahib measured 261, Hafizabad 250, Sahiwal 210, Sheikhupura 205, Jhang 203 and Rajanpur 201. Multan and Gujranwala recorded 194, Bhakkar 186 and Vehari 181.

The study covers five major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Peshawar. It measures carbon dioxide, PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, and looks at how different sectors contribute to emissions in four urban air sheds.

In Lahore, the annual average PM2.5 concentration exceeds 110 micrograms per cubic metre, which is more than 22 times the WHO guideline of five micrograms per cubic metre. Long-term exposure at this level could reduce life expectancy in the city by up to seven years.

The report identifies transport as the largest source of PM2.5 pollution in Lahore. Industries contribute 28 percent, followed by brick kilns at 17 percent. These sources release particles that severely degrade the city's air, and winter weather makes conditions worse.