The Impact of Smog on Public Health and Antimicrobial Resistance in Pakistan

Introduction

Since 2016, smog has been an annual health and environmental crisis in Pakistan, commonly known as the “fifth season.” This hazardous phenomenon results from a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, crop residue burning, and fossil fuel consumption. Smog season intensifies in October, dropping visibility considerably while increasing respiratory problems and antimicrobial resistance. We seek to analyze the correlation between deteriorating air quality and rising public health concerns, specifically antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

This study was supported by multiple sources, including the existing literature, environmental data, air quality indices (AQIs), and public health reports, to assess the impact of smog on respiratory ailments and antimicrobial resistance. The global study on particulate matter proved to be resourceful. Additionally, we reviewed the data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NASA’s research statistics regarding cross-border crop burning. The relation between airborne pollution levels and antimicrobial resistance rates was interpreted based on the direct correlation found between them.

Results

In 2024, Pakistan’s urban cities reported toxic AQI levels, with Multan reaching an unprecedented 1,392, followed by Lahore (826), Peshawar (575), and Rawalpindi (271). A 10% rise in PM 2.5 levels caused a 2.6% increase in antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan. This led to premature deaths and difficulty in disease management. The government was forced to take temporary measures such as school closures, enforcing work-from-home policies, and limiting commercial activities. However, these short-term actions failed to deal with the root causes of pollution.

Conclusion

The smog crisis in Pakistan is causing serious environmental and public health concerns, particularly by accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Without resolute action, it will continue to jeopardize public health and strain the health care system. Policy recommendations involve stricter emissions standards, large-scale afforestation, investment in clean energy, and global collaboration to reduce crop burning. While emergency measures provide momentary relief, long-term sustainable solutions are necessary to mitigate the problem.