The rampant industrial pollution of Pakistan is poisoning our air, water and land, harming public health and future generations. Cement, steel and chemical industries emit massive amounts of carbon dioxide and toxic waste. However, weak regulations allow them to continue polluting with impunity. Some may argue that industrial growth is indispensable for jobs and economic stability. But must progress come at the cost of poisoned rivers and rising respiratory diseases?
The toxic air of Lahore, contaminated water of Sindh, and worsening climate disasters confirm that our people are already suffering from the unwillingness to take environmental factors into account. We need strict pollution controls, penalties for violators and incentives for investment and implementation of cleaner technologies.
Muhammad Shahjahan Memon
Islamabad