ISLAMABAD: World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday to explore collaborative efforts aimed at tackling the country’s escalating smog crisis and improving urban access to clean water and sanitation, according to an official statement.
The air pollution crisis in Pakistan, particularly in the industrial heartland of Punjab, has become a major public health issue. Cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad have been hit hardest, with air quality levels reaching hazardous levels this winter.
Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan and home to more than 14 million people, today reclaimed the unwanted crown title of the world’s most polluted city, surpassing India’s capital New Delhi.
Even Islamabad, long known for its relatively clean air, has faced significant pollution this year, underscoring the growing urgency of the problem.
At the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a joint task force involving the World Bank and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to create a comprehensive anti-smog strategy for the Pakistani capital. “We are ready to formulate an anti-smog plan in consultation with the CDA,” Benhassine said, adding that a detailed report would be prepared to identify the root causes of the pollution.
In addition to the smog initiative, Minister Naqvi highlighted the government’s efforts to address urban water and sanitation challenges. He announced plans to create a dedicated entity, Islamabad Water, to oversee the city’s growing water and sanitation needs. “Access to clean water and effective sanitation are key government priorities,” he emphasized.
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The World Bank has long been a key partner in Pakistan’s urban development, supporting initiatives ranging from flood relief to housing projects aimed at bolstering resilience in vulnerable communities.
The latest collaboration on smog mitigation marks a new chapter in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to address urban challenges in Pakistan, recognizing air quality as a critical factor in sustainable urban development.
The meeting underscores both the severity of Pakistan’s environmental challenges and the increasing recognition of the importance of clean air and water in the country’s long-term development goals.
