Pakistan is facing a worsening air pollution crisis, with major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad engulfed in hazardous smog. Millions of residents are at serious health risks due to deteriorating air quality.

Despite the escalating crisis, the government has been criticized for its lack of action and unfulfilled promises.

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Karachi resident Qazi Hala Rehman voiced his frustration, stating, “This is not a new problem; it has existed for a long time. As factories and pollution have increased, so have diseases. We have seen outbreaks like COVID-19 and dengue, which have taken many lives. The government claims to address these issues, but no proper sanitation system is in place.”

The absence of essential infrastructure, including an effective sanitation system, has only worsened the situation.

Rehman highlighted, “Open drains and overflowing sewage can still be seen on the roads, leading to an increase in mosquitoes and diseases like malaria.” This negligence has resulted in a surge of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses, further burdening the city’s already struggling healthcare system.

Karachi has now overtaken Lahore as Pakistan’s most polluted city. Vehicle emissions have significantly contributed to the crisis, yet authorities have failed to curb the issue.

“The increasing number of vehicles has worsened the problem, yet no action is being taken to control emissions. The government talks about issuing fitness certificates for vehicles to ensure they do not emit smoke, but these are just empty promises. Nothing is being implemented,” Rehman noted.

The unchecked operation of the tanker mafia, which runs without proper licenses or safety checks, has led to fatal accidents. Rehman criticized the lack of enforcement, stating, “This is the government’s responsibility, but it only makes statements without taking any action.”

With hospitals overwhelmed by patients suffering from respiratory ailments, the government continues to downplay the severity of the crisis.

“Many laws have been passed, but none have been enforced. It is disappointing to see how the government and health ministries have failed. They claim diseases are decreasing and that hospitals have enough medicine, but the reality is the opposite–illnesses are increasing, and hospitals are running out of medicines,” Rehman lamented.

The crisis extends beyond Karachi, with cities like Larkana also grappling with poor healthcare and pollution.

“Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promised to turn Larkana into Paris, but nothing has been done. There are no proper hospitals, no medicines, and people have to wait in long lines for treatment,” Rehman added.

Despite numerous pledges, the government has failed to take substantial measures to address the crisis. As pollution levels rise and diseases spread, citizens are left to endure increasingly dire conditions.

Summing up the growing frustration, Rehman stated, “The government is failing to provide relief. Despite repeated promises, nothing has changed. The citizens are left to suffer, and no action is being taken to improve their living conditions.”