Urban cities in Pakistan are a hotspot for local air pollution. Around 40% of the country’s 220 million people live in cities where air pollution levels exceed the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit. This air pollution is not only limited to a certain season or source but has a perpetual bond with Pakistanis. Particulate matter (referred to as PM from here on) is one of the constituents of air pollutants. This PM, along with other aerosols produced from industries, vehicles, domestic heating or cooking, agricultural activities, and power stations can travel across boundaries. This means that a pollutant associated with a power station 100 km away from a city is able to transcend its local boundaries if the prevailing wind allows.
However, the conversation around air pollution abatement strategies are seasonal. Localised, limited efforts and conversations are concentrated at pointing at the crop residue burning season (one of which happens around…