Pakistan uses tech to tackle air pollutionーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Smog: A type of air pollution resulting from a mixture of smoke and fog, particularly prevalent in winter.
• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, considered a major air pollutant due to its health impacts.
• Stubble Burning: The practice of intentionally burning crop residue after harvest, a significant contributor to air pollution in South Asia.
• Smoke War Room: A centralized control center used by authorities to monitor and respond to air pollution events.
• Thermal Sensors: Devices used to detect heat signatures, employed here to identify pollution sources in industrial areas.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A number used to communicate the level of air pollution to the public.

Lahore Smog Crisis and Pakistan’s Response

The city of Lahore, Pakistan, is experiencing severe smog conditions during the winter months, significantly impacting visibility and public health. Residents report experiencing eye allergies, breathing difficulties, and frequent sneezing due to the thick haze. The smog is described as making even short trips outside challenging, with vehicles barely visible in the dense air. This situation is negatively affecting local businesses, as people are avoiding outdoor activities, leading to decreased sales, as stated by a street vendor: “Smog keeps people inside their homes. It's become very difficult to sell goods. Business is nothing like it used to be.”

Impact on Healthcare System

Hospitals in Lahore are facing increased strain due to a surge in patients seeking treatment for respiratory problems. Medical professionals emphasize the danger of the smoke, particularly for vulnerable populations: “This level of smoke is very dangerous to the health and as well as uh many other uh uh health conditions and especially for the children, elderly and the pregnant females.” This highlights the direct correlation between poor air quality and increased healthcare demands.

Government Intervention: The “Smoke War Room”

Authorities in Punjab province have implemented a multi-faceted approach to combat the smog, centered around a “smoke war room.” This facility utilizes a network of cameras and thermal sensors to monitor pollution hotspots, specifically focusing on industrial areas. Real-time data is also gathered from satellite feeds to track pollution sources. Inspection teams are dispatched to areas experiencing sudden declines in air quality, empowered to seal factories, halt stubble burning, and issue fines to violators.

Technological Upgrades & Results

The system underwent a significant upgrade in late 2025, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This enhancement improves data analysis and the accuracy of predicting pollution spikes. Proactive measures, such as deploying water spraying trucks to release a fine mist and reduce airborne pollutants, are now implemented before predicted spikes. Officials report that these measures have resulted in a roughly 60% reduction in levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) compared to the previous smoke season, which was described as the worst on record for the province. The stated goal is to “maintain this ambient air quality in a better way and all pollution sources will be minimized.”

Transboundary Pollution & Regional Cooperation

Despite these efforts, officials acknowledge the limitations of unilateral action. Approximately 30% of the smog affecting Lahore originates from across the border with India, carried by prevailing winds. Specifically, stubble burning in India along the eastern border with Pakistan is identified as a major contributing factor. As stated, “When stubble burning takes place in the India along east border with the Pakistan then the smoke comes to Lahore from that border and raise the air quality index.” This underscores the need for regional cooperation to effectively address the issue, as “air pollution has no cross boundaries.” Successfully tackling the problem requires Pakistan and India to overcome “longstanding and complex tensions.”

Conclusion

Lahore’s smog crisis demonstrates the severe health and economic consequences of air pollution. Pakistan is actively employing technology and enforcement measures to mitigate the problem, achieving notable reductions in PM2.5 levels. However, the significant contribution of transboundary pollution highlights the necessity of collaborative efforts with neighboring countries, particularly India, to achieve a sustainable solution.