Pollution behind 5pc deaths in Third World

[Naveed Yaseen]

OVER 1,300 deaths are caused by pollution in Lahore and the World Health Organization (WHO) has held pollution responsible for 5 per cent of total deaths in developing countries.

According to Pervaiz Malik Special Political Assistant to Punjab CM, a medical expert has also revealed that 22 per cent Lahorites were suffering from Asthma, a disease caused by pollution. He was speaking at a ceremony held in connection with the World Environment Day. He urged people to start a “war against pollution” as environmental issues could easily demolish the country’s economy.

Pervaiz said drivers in Pakistan should take cue from Indian drivers who, he said, turn switch off their vehicle at traffic signals. This helps save fuel and control pollution, he added.

Meanwhile, speakers at a seminar organized by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan and the Pollution Department expressed concern that environmental pollution in Pakistan had increased alarmingly. They regretted rapid deforestation in Punjab and questioned the seriousness of the government to address the issue as Environment Department had only 160 employees to tackle this issue.

Former WAPDA chairman Tariq Hameed said in order to reduce the impact of global warming the nation would have to reduce the use of vehicles and grow more trees.

Engineer Aftab Islam Agha said the government should allocate sufficient resources for addressing environmental issues. He said all water channels in the country had polluted water and the government had neglected this issue for too long. He said all departments would have to work in synergy to tackle environmental issues.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=181556