World Bank Approves US$ 300 Million for Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Project

World Bank has approved a $300 million financing package to support smog mitigation efforts in Punjab, aiming to significantly improve air quality in Pakistan’s most populous province.

Key Project Details

• Goal: Reduce air pollution levels by 35% in Punjab over the next decade
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 13 million people
• Major Initiatives:
  • 600 electric buses to be introduced in Punjab’s public transport system
  • Awareness campaigns against crop residue burning, a major contributor to smog
  • Implementation of the Punjab Smog Mitigation Action Plan

Punjab’s Smog Crisis

Lahore and other major cities in Punjab faced severe smog outbreaks in late 2023, with air pollution reaching hazardous levels. The crisis led to:

• School closures in affected districts
• Partial lockdowns in Lahore and Multan
• Motorway shutdowns due to poor visibility

At its peak, Lahore was ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with smog—a dangerous mix of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and crop-burning smoke—posing serious public health risks.

Long-Term Impact

The World Bank-funded project seeks to address Punjab’s chronic air quality issues through sustainable measures, including greener public transport and stricter pollution controls.

Authorities urge public cooperation to ensure the success of these initiatives as Punjab battles its annual smog emergency.