One earth, one breath

When smog rolls across the Subcontinent, it makes no distinction between Lahore and Delhi, friend or foe. This toxic haze defies borders and geopolitical tensions, drifting freely from one city to another, creating an unspoken crisis that endangers millions.

As a policy analyst in Islamabad, I can’t help but ponder the possibility of cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and India to tackle this shared emergency. The air that hangs thick with pollutants over Delhi one day drifts across to Lahore and vice versa, with both cities often alternating as the world’s most polluted on any given day. This relentless cycle begs the question: could the pressing issue of air pollution finally bring our countries together in meaningful dialogue?

Recently, Pakistan’s leadership floated the concept of ‘climate diplomacy’ with India, emphasising that our intertwined environmental fates call for solutions that transcend the typical political discourse. This approach underlines the immediate need to set rivalries aside and find common ground in mitigating the impacts of climate change, which endangers millions on both sides of the border.

The scale of pollution in Lahore is shocking. According to IQAir, Lahore recently recorded the worst air quality globally, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) so high it shattered previous records, posing severe health risks. Data from the World Bank indicates that air pollution decreases the average life expectancy of Pakistanis by 4.3 years and results in economic losses exceeding 6.5 per cent of the GDP. Such figures aren’t mere statistics; they are an urgent reminder of the harm inflicted on the most vulnerable who suffer through this haze that has become a disturbing part of daily life.

The smog crisis is now making inroads into Islamabad. The government has issued health advisories urging children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma to wear masks when outdoors. Although the air quality in Islamabad isn’t as dire as Lahore’s, the concentration of PM 2.5 ug/m3 has surged to 186 ug/m3, far above the safe limit of 35 ug/m3 set by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).

Several sources contribute to this decline in air quality: ongoing construction projects at the Serena and PTCL chowk interchanges, vehicular emissions, and waste burning in public bins by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) which often includes toxic materials like plastics, exacerbating pollution. Emissions from barbecue points, outdated brick kilns that lack environmentally friendly zigzag technology, and pollution drifting in from neighboring Rawalpindi are also adding to Islamabad’s smog levels.

While Pakistan and India face unique challenges, both share a significant source of smog: crop residue burning. Despite efforts to discourage this practice, financial constraints compel farmers to choose burning leftover crop residue over more sustainable but costlier alternatives. Unfortunately, this sole act releases tons of pollutants, harming health and the economy, raising healthcare costs, and diminishing productivity.

However, policy challenges run deeper than just addressing crop burning. Despite possessing extensive data on pollution sources and their impacts, the Punjab government faces challenges in implementing effective policies due to bureaucratic and institutional barriers. Economic dependencies on high-polluting sectors such as industry and agriculture create political resistance to strict environmental regulation, resulting in ineffective, short-term actions like industrial shutdowns or limited enforcement. These fragmented, temporary measures do little to address the root causes and result in annual cycles of hazardous smog.

In response to Islamabad’s deteriorating air quality, the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has initiated several preventive measures. The agency has requested the CDA to cease garbage incineration in public bins, highlighted the detrimental impacts of plastic combustion, and has levied fines on heavy diesel vehicles that fail to comply with environmental standards.

In a recent meeting of PAK-EPA with public-private organisations that operate such vehicles, warnings of Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) were issued for further violation of regulations. Additionally, the Ministry of Climate Change noted that construction projects at Serena and PTCL chowk interchanges have failed to submit Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, a mandatory requirement intended to mitigate the environmental consequences of construction. This lack of compliance raises serious concerns about pollution management in ongoing developments across the capital.

Additionally, misplaced priorities in urban planning exacerbate the issue. Islamabad’s infrastructure favors private vehicle use over public transport, a factor that increases road traffic, dust, and emissions. This development approach not only worsens air quality but also encourages citizens to rely on private vehicles, further aggravating pollution levels.

With the recent passage of the 26th Amendment, the constitution of Pakistan now enshrines the ‘Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment’. This amendment mandates that the government actively protects citizens from environmental harm, making it a constitutional and public health imperative for the state to address the worsening air quality crisis. The urgency of government action on this matter cannot be overstated, as hazardous air quality jeopardizes the well-being of millions.

To counteract this crisis effectively, ICT and Punjab must adopt a comprehensive approach that prioritises public health over short-term, symbolic solutions. Punjab's approach must transition from temporary measures, like mist machines, to sustainable, enforceable standards that tackle the underlying sources of pollution. Stricter emissions standards, phased-out older vehicles, and improved vehicle-testing regimes can significantly reduce vehicular pollution.

An expansion of mass transit systems, like Metro Bus and Orange Line Train, could reduce the reliance on private vehicles, easing both traffic congestion and emissions. Islamabad’s rapid expansion also requires a sustainable, integrated environmental plan to curb emissions and encourage eco-friendly development. Proper zoning and planned urban growth can prevent unrestrained sprawl and reduce the pollution burden on urban areas.

Solutions exist that would benefit both countries, provided there is cooperation. To illustrate, satellite monitoring has proven effectual in identifying fire incidents in real-time. Joint monitoring and data-sharing could allow environmental agencies to alert each other to major fire events and coordinate responses, preventing pollution before it becomes an unmanageable crisis. Similarly, by harmonising agricultural cycles, both countries could manage crop residue more sustainably and reduce the number of fires.

Beyond policy shifts, technological collaboration could be transformative. Clean energy initiatives could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, one of the primary contributors to air pollution, and address broader climate change challenges. Joint investment in research, early warning systems, and sharing best practices could pave the way for real progress on this front. Such efforts would not only improve air quality but also foster goodwill, laying a foundation for diplomatic cooperation.

The question isn’t whether Pakistan and India should work together to combat air pollution; it’s whether we can afford not to. Air pollution, climate change, and erratic weather patterns are pushing our region to the brink. The effects of climate change are no longer hypothetical – they are immediate and profound, fueling a rising sense of eco-anxiety. Unchecked smog threatens human life- triggers strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and even death, while record-breaking heatwaves and volatile monsoons strain our resilience.

As citizens of Pakistan, we must support the call for climate diplomacy and recognise that environmental challenges transcend borders. Political leaders have an opportunity here to prioritise humanity over politics. Collaborative action to address smog would not only save lives but also reinforce our shared commitment to confronting the foremost crisis of our time.

A future with cleaner skies is within our grasp, but it requires moving beyond historical grievances and embracing a vision of mutual resilience. By prioritising public health, environmental sustainability, and cooperative action, Pakistan and India can lay the groundwork for a legacy of progress, one where future generations can breathe freely. ‘One Earth, One Breath’ isn’t just a vision, it is a necessity – and it’s time we act decisively to make it a reality.

The writer is a policy analyst and researcher with a Master’s degree in public policy from King’s College, London.