A comprehensive survey conducted by Ipsos Pakistan has revealed significant public awareness about the major causes of smog and the challenges faced by the country in addressing this pressing environmental issue. The survey, which gathered responses from 1,000 participants across Pakistan, was conducted between November 18 and November 22, 2024. It provides valuable insights into the public’s perceptions of both the causes of smog and the factors hindering effective solutions.
Key Findings on the Causes of Smog in Pakistan
The survey sought to understand what Pakistanis believe are the primary contributors to the severe smog that blankets many urban areas, particularly during the winter months. The results suggest that vehicular emissions and industrial pollution are the leading causes of smog according to the public:
- Vehicular Smoke (70%)
The overwhelming majority of respondents (70%) identified vehicular smoke as the main cause of smog. With millions of vehicles on the road, especially in densely populated cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, emissions from cars, trucks, and buses contribute significantly to the deterioration of air quality, particularly during colder months when traffic congestion worsens. - Industrial Pollution (63%)
Following closely behind, 63% of survey participants attributed smog to industrial pollution. This includes emissions from factories, power plants, and other manufacturing activities, which are often poorly regulated in terms of air quality standards. Many industrial areas in Pakistan lack the necessary infrastructure and technology to curb emissions, exacerbating the smog problem. - Other Contributing Factors
Beyond vehicles and industries, the public also pointed to other sources of pollution:- Garbage Burning (37%): Over a third of respondents (37%) highlighted the burning of garbage as another key factor contributing to air pollution. This is particularly common in urban and semi-urban areas where waste management systems are inadequate.
- Brick Kilns (31%): 31% of participants identified the operation of brick kilns as a major source of air pollution. Many brick kilns in Pakistan continue to operate without proper emission controls, releasing toxic smoke into the atmosphere.
- Crop Burning (30%): A significant portion of the population (30%) pointed to the practice of crop burning—primarily in agricultural regions of Punjab—as a major contributor. This seasonal practice, often done to clear fields quickly after harvest, releases large amounts of particulate matter into the air, worsening smog levels.
- Construction Work (11%): 11% of respondents attributed smog to ongoing construction activities in urban areas, where dust and debris are often released into the air without proper mitigation measures.
Public Perceptions on Why Smog Remains Uncontrolled
The survey also delved into the reasons why Pakistan has struggled to control smog and improve air quality. Despite growing awareness of the issue, multiple challenges hinder effective action. Key findings include:
- Public Non-Cooperation (44%)
A significant 44% of survey participants cited public non-cooperation as the primary reason for the failure to control smog. This includes individual behaviors such as improper waste disposal, excessive use of personal vehicles, and a general disregard for environmental regulations. The public’s reluctance to adopt more sustainable practices, such as carpooling, using cleaner fuels, and reducing waste burning, was seen as a major barrier. - Non-Enforcement of Laws (37%)
Over a third of respondents (37%) pointed to the non-enforcement of laws as a critical issue. While Pakistan does have environmental laws in place, many of these regulations are not effectively implemented. Weak enforcement mechanisms, lack of political will, and corruption within regulatory bodies contribute to the ongoing failure to reduce pollution levels. For instance, industrial facilities and brick kilns often operate without meeting emissions standards, and traffic laws regarding vehicle emissions are rarely enforced. - Lack of Air Quality Laws (16%)
16% of respondents believe that the absence of comprehensive air quality laws is a major obstacle. While some regulations do exist, they are often outdated or insufficient to address the complex issue of smog. Many participants called for stronger, more modern legislation aimed at limiting pollutants from all sectors, including transport, industry, and agriculture. - Lack of Funding (8%)
According to 8% of those surveyed, the lack of funding for environmental programs is a significant barrier. Effective smog control requires investments in air monitoring infrastructure, better waste management systems, cleaner technologies for industries, and public awareness campaigns. However, funding for these initiatives is often inadequate, and many local governments lack the resources to implement meaningful change. - Limited Capacity of Institutions (8%)
Another 8% of respondents pointed to the limited capacity of institutions to handle the scale of the smog problem. Environmental authorities and related institutions often struggle with limited staff, outdated technology, and a lack of technical expertise to tackle the complex challenges of air pollution control. These institutions are also often underfunded, further hindering their ability to manage air quality effectively.
Conclusion: Public Awareness and Urgent Need for Action
The Ipsos Pakistan survey underscores that the majority of Pakistanis are not only aware of the major causes of smog but are also acutely aware of the systemic issues that prevent effective action. The causes identified, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, garbage burning, and crop burning, are well-known, and the solutions to address them are within reach. However, the public’s inability to cooperate, combined with poor enforcement of laws, lack of resources, and institutional shortcomings, presents a major challenge.
To mitigate smog and improve air quality, the government must take more decisive action. This includes strengthening the enforcement of existing laws, introducing new regulations tailored to current environmental challenges, increasing funding for air quality monitoring, and launching public awareness campaigns to promote environmentally friendly behaviors. Additionally, improving the capacity of institutions tasked with monitoring and controlling pollution is crucial for long-term success in the fight against smog in Pakistan.
