WB to help fight smog and secure clean water

Islamabad : World Bank and Pakistan have joined forces to battle smog crisis and boost urban water access.

The agreement came during a meeting between World Bank (WB) country director Najy Benhassine and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi here on Thursday. The two met to discuss joint efforts to combat the worsening smog crisis and improve urban access to clean water and sanitation.

Minister Naqvi said this year, the air quality index reached 271 and said before the situation reached dangerous levels, a comprehensive anti-smog plan should be formulated. Both sides agreed to tackle the smog issue through cooperation and agreed on the establishment of a task force, comprising representatives of the bank and the Capital Development Authority, to develop a comprehensive anti-smog plan for Islamabad.

"We are ready to work with the CDA to design an anti-smog strategy," Benhassine said, noting that a detailed report will be prepared to pinpoint the sources of pollution. The minister emphasised the importance of identifying the true sources of smog through an international quality assessment report.

He informed the visitor that a proposal to install anti-smog machines in Islamabad was under consideration, with the goal of ensuring a clean and healthy environment for both residents and visitors. Mr Naqvi also highlighted the launch of an electric bus service in Islamabad as part of efforts to maintain a cleaner city environment.

Air pollution in the country, particularly in Punjab’s industrial heartland, has become a severe public health concern, with cities like Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad bearing the brunt, as air quality has reached dangerous levels this winter. Lahore, the country's second-largest city with over 14 million population after Karachi, has regained the title of the world’s most polluted city, surpassing New Delhi, and even Islamabad, traditionally known for its cleaner air, has seen a significant rise in pollution levels this year, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Alongside the anti-smog initiative, Minister Naqvi also spotlighted the federal government's efforts to tackle urban water and sanitation issues. He announced plans to establish a new agency, Islamabad Water, to manage the city's growing demands for clean water and effective sanitation.

"Providing clean water and better sanitation services to people are key priorities for the government," he said. According to officials, the World Bank has long been a key partner in Pakistan’s urban development, supporting projects ranging from flood relief to housing initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities.

They said the latest collaboration on smog reduction marked a new chapter in the World Bank’s ongoing support to address urban challenges in Pakistan, recognising clean air as vital for sustainable development.