The air quality in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital, has become worse due to dense fog and cold weather. According to local air monitors, Peshawar’s air quality index has been classified as hazardous for five days and very unhealthy for three days since the beginning of January. The concentration of particulate matter in the air has been recorded at alarming levels, with readings reaching 356 on January 1 and remaining consistently high in subsequent days. While the air quality improved slightly on January 5 and 6, it returned to hazardous levels on Sunday and Monday, with concentrations of 351 and 332, respectively.
The poor air quality has been attributed to the cold, foggy weather, which impedes the dispersion of pollutants, resulting in a buildup of harmful emissions in the atmosphere. Experts have emphasised the importance of addressing the underlying causes of pollution in order to improve air quality, as the source of emissions has a significant impact on pollution levels. Furthermore, a World Health Organization-funded study highlighted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s complex environmental health challenges, such as water, sanitation, air quality, and waste management. The study also highlighted a lack of coordination and collaboration between environmental and health departments, as well as a limited role for the health sector in motivating action for health protection.
The report further stated that Peshawar is the province’s most polluted city, with high levels of CO emissions caused in part by transporters, as well as the discharge of untreated industrial, agricultural, and municipal wastes into rivers and open drains. These hazardous wastes have serious health consequences, including neurotoxicity, muscle weakness, and the spread of diseases like hepatitis and typhoid.
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The deteriorating air quality in Peshawar, as well as the broader environmental health challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlight the critical need for comprehensive pollution control measures to protect public health. Prioritising the implementation of effective strategies and evidence-based decision-making is critical for protecting the population’s well-being and mitigating the negative effects of environmental hazards.