Air pollution has been a major problem for the world causing cardiovascular, breathing, mental, and reproductive health issues. Air pollution is held accountable for seven million deaths globally.
By Sayyed Shehzer Abbas
Pakistan is a major hit by pollution. It was listed in the most polluted countries of the world in 2019 by a study conducted by IQAir which is a Swiss air quality technology company responsible for keeping database about protection against airborne pollutants. As a result, Pakistan has decided to introduce Ultra-Low-Sulphur-Fuel (ULSF) to tackle air pollution.
India shifted from Euro 4 to Euro 6 lately. Earlier, Pakistan was using the Euro 2 but not it has jumped to Euro 5 and its going quite popular among the locals as people became aware of the use of more refined fuel over the Euro 2. The Euro 5 will soon create friction in the local automobile and petroleum industries. The government is focused on shifting to Euro 5 completely by the end of 2021.
The only problem that the locals might face is the installation of specialized equipment to meet the emission standards. This not only increases the prices of Euro 5 complaint parts but also the retail prices of the vehicles. Another option is to import these complaint parts, but it is even more expensive than producing them locally.
Pakistan has been behind many other developing countries and it still has a lot to improve. This transition towards a better and newer technology might be difficult at first but when the country will be able to acquire these high standards, there won’t be any problems.
Government’s decision for a transition to a newer emission standard will not only modernize the automobile and crude oil refinery industries but also bring a drastic change to the country’s urban air quality towards a better future where our next generations will be breathing hassle free.