Air Quality Report Reveals Alarming Air Pollution Levels in South Asia

A recent Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report highlights South Asia’s continuing struggle with severe air pollution despite an 18% decline in 2022, attributed to unusual rainfall. The report underscores that the region still faces the highest global pollution levels, accounting for 45% of life years lost due to pollution. In Pakistan, despite a 10% decrease in particulate matter, residents’ life expectancy remains cut by 3.3 years, with cities like Peshawar and Lahore facing reductions exceeding five years. The report also emphasizes significant inequality, with the most polluted areas experiencing air six times more polluted than less affected regions, leading to a 2.7-year reduction in life expectancy for their inhabitants. The government is urged to adopt comprehensive policies, including promoting electric vehicles and enforcing stricter emissions standards, to address this ongoing crisis and safeguard public health.