Air pollution is causing Pakistan an estimated economic loss of $22 billion annually, equivalent to 6.5% of the country’s GDP, Senator Sherry Rehman stated during a recent Senate session. She emphasized the severe impact of smog in Punjab, which affects around 11 million children under the age of five, highlighting the urgent public health implications of environmental pollution.
According to the senator, pollution-related health issues now claim approximately 256,000 lives each year—double previous estimates—and reduce life expectancy by 3.7 to 4.6 years. Major contributors to the worsening air quality include emissions from brick kilns, industrial activities, and vehicles. Senator Rehman also criticized authorities for the lack of reliable, comprehensive data on air pollution, which hampers effective policymaking and enforcement.
She warned that Lahore continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities and called for immediate, coordinated action to protect children and public health. The senator stressed the need for stricter emission controls, improved monitoring, and sustainable urban planning to mitigate the escalating environmental and economic consequences of air pollution in Pakistan.
