Next Climate Threat Looming Over Pakistan

By Ali Raza

While the nation struggles to recover from floods, a next threat looming over Pakistan rises from the haze—smog. Invisible but toxic, it chokes cities, harms health, and demands urgent action before it turns deadly.

Grandlines asked Dr. Sabir Hussain, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Government College University Faisalabad, for his valuable insights on How can this issue be handled effectively and made less harmful.

What Is Smog and How Does It Form?

He said that ‘smog,’ is basically a combination of two things: smoke and fog.”

“The burning processes in Pakistan produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Vehicles release nitrogen oxides, while industries release sulfur oxides. When these pollutants interact with atmospheric moisture and sunlight, reactions occur — and as a result, smog is formed,” he added.

Types of Smog and Their Global Examples

Dr. Hussain said that there are two internationally recognized types of smog.

“One is Sulfurous Smog, also known as London Smog. This incident actually occurred in London in 1952, when industries released sulfur dioxide into a foggy environment. It mixed with water particles and formed sulfuric acid in the air. That toxic air caused about 12,000 deaths within days,” he explained.

“The second type is Photochemical Smog, often called Los Angeles Smog. In this type, nitrogen oxides or carbon oxides react with sunlight, producing particulate matter dangerous to health.”

He said that the predominant type that exists in Pakistan is photochemical.

Smog in Pakistan: Causes and Local Impact

He noted that Lahore, with its heavy traffic load, releases large quantities of nitrogen oxides, which react with sunlight to create photochemical smog, and reaction generated through this process is called ground-level ozone.

“Ozone is of two types. The beneficial one lies 10 to 50 kilometers above Earth and protects us from UV rays. But when ozone forms at the ground level, it becomes harmful. It enters our lungs and affects human health, plant growth, and all living beings,” he explained.

He said that the number of industrial units is low in Pakistan, which is why we are not facing a large-scale issue of sulfurous smog. Smog in Pakistan mainly comes from traffic, waste burning and the industry.

Effects of Smog on Humans and Environment

Discussing smog’s impact on plants and humans, Dr. Hussain said, “When pollutants enter the atmosphere, they block the stomata on plant leaves where photosynthesis occurs. This reduces photosynthesis and overall growth. These pollutants are also absorbed by plants, and when we consume them, they reach our bodies too.”

He said that the direct effect of smog on humans is even more severe.

“Smog affects our respiratory system when we are exposed to it. It can cause lung infections, bronchitis, throat and eye irritation, and skin problems. Immunity also decreases due to this menace,” he warned.

Explaining why smog is more visible during winter months, Dr. Hussain said: “Pollutants are released all year, but in foggy months like December and January, fog exists close to the ground.

Pollutants mix with it and remain trapped at our breathing level instead of rising higher. That’s why smog becomes severe in these months.”

Talking about a common misunderstanding regarding smog and moisture, he said that the issue of reduced moisture in the air is more closely linked to climate change. Pollutants play a role to some extent. When moisture reacts with pollutants, it becomes unavailable and contaminated, making the air harmful, he explained.

He stressed the need for plantation, calling it a practical remedy, as they are lungs of the Earth and help clean the air.

“Neem is a special local tree that lives long, absorbs carbon dioxide, and purifies the air. It also releases phytochemicals that make the environment healthier.”

He added that Pine, Pomegranate, and Guava trees can also be planted at homes or in other places where ample land is not available.

Dr. Hussain outlined preventive steps at three levels — individual, societal, and government. He said that at the individual level we should use public transport instead of private vehicles. Avoid burning garbage, as incomplete burning releases carbon monoxide, which worsens smog.

During smog season, stay indoors when possible, wear masks, keep windows closed, and wash face and mouth frequently.

At the societal level, he said that we must launch awareness campaigns to educate people.

At the government level, the rulers must ensure the proper implementation of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997. Regulations should control industrial waste, vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning, he stressed.

How Artificial Rain Can Reduce Smog

Dr. Hussain said that artificial rain can help temporarily reduce smog.

“It forces pollutants to settle on the ground and out of our breathing air. However, it’s costly and should be used only in severe conditions. The permanent solution lies in controlling industrial and traffic emissions,” he emphasized.

He recalled that artificial rain was conducted once in 2024 in Lahore and surrounding areas, including Sheikhupura.

He urged masses and the rulers to take the smog seriously, emphasizing that effective preventive measures are the need of the hour to ensure a healthy society. Industrialists must follow environmental laws and government officials should work tirelessly to ensure their enforcement.

Religious Practices That Can Help Reduce Smog Impact

“As Muslims, Islam has already given us a simple preventive method — performing Namaz (prayer) five times a day involves Wudu (ablution), which cleans our hands and mouth and reduces the impact of smog. This divine guidance protects humanity — and even the poorest can practice it without cost,” he added.