Increasing air pollution in Pakistan could slash life expectancy by up to seven years in heavily polluted regions like Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Peshawar, says a report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. Particulate pollution increased by 49.9% from 1998 to 2021, impacting average life expectancy by 1.5 years.
Shocking Stats:
98.3% of Pakistan’s population lives in areas exceeding national air quality standards.
All 240 million people surpass the WHO guideline for annual particulate pollution.
Child and maternal malnutrition, neonatal disorders cut 2.7 years from life expectancy.
Potential Impact:
If Pakistan meets WHO guidelines, residents could gain 3.9 years of life expectancy on average. In polluted provinces like Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 65.5 million people are set to lose 3.7 to 4.6 years of life.
A Grim Trend:
Average annual particulate pollution surged by 49.9% from 1998 to 2021, reducing life expectancy by 1.5 years.
Global Responsibility:
India contributes to 59% of the world’s pollution increase since 2013.
