December 2024: Islamabad Experiences Worst Air Pollution on Record

Islamabad witnessed the highest level of air pollution ever recorded in December 2024, with the capital’s air quality deteriorating to alarming levels due to smog, dust, and particulate matter. The Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked to 250 on December 22, marking the most polluted day in the city’s history since pollution tracking began in 2018. The AQI crossing the 200 mark made the air quality “unhealthy” for all residents, with the capital’s residents facing hazardous conditions.

The rise in pollution is largely attributed to several factors, including an increase in vehicular emissions, rapid urban development, and the operation of industries near the city’s periphery. Over the past decade, more than a million vehicles have been registered in Islamabad, alongside another half-million vehicles that regularly enter the city, significantly contributing to air pollution. Dust, smoke, and particulate matter—especially PM2.5, which are fine particles smaller than 2.5 microns—have compounded the issue.

Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Director of the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), emphasized that temperature inversion and fog during the winter months, coupled with suspended dew droplets, have made matters worse. In particular, brick kilns on the outskirts and steel manufacturing units have been blamed for emitting dark smoke and adding to the city’s air pollution. However, efforts to mitigate these sources include the introduction of eco-friendly zigzag technology in 30 brick kilns and a locally-developed dry scrubber technology, which reduces hazardous carbon emissions.

Pak-EPA’s data revealed that November and December were the worst months for air quality, with five days in December classified as “very unhealthy.” While other pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide remained within permissible limits, PM2.5 concentrations consistently exceeded safe levels.

To combat this rising pollution, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) is planning to expand its air quality monitoring to new housing societies and construction zones that contribute to the pollution. Authorities also implemented a ban in November 2024, prohibiting smoke-emitting vehicles from entering Islamabad to curb vehicular emissions.

The health impacts of this severe air pollution have been significant, with a marked rise in respiratory conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations. Dr. Ziaul Haq, a senior pulmonologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), warned that prolonged exposure to the dry, cold air can lead to respiratory infections and damage the lungs. He advised people, especially those with chronic heart, kidney, or lung conditions, to avoid outdoor activities during the morning and evening hours when air quality is poorest, and to wear masks and consume hot drinks for protection.

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Dr. Ejaz Ahmed, a Senior Programme Fellow at the Institute of Urbanism, attributed the worsening smog to the rapid urbanization of the capital and the growing number of vehicles. He emphasized the need for sustainable urban transportation systems and collaborative efforts to tackle the environmental crisis.

As the capital grapples with this rising pollution, local authorities are stepping up efforts to monitor and regulate air quality, and to address the underlying issues contributing to the ongoing environmental degradation.