ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s vehicle population has increased by more than 770% over the past three decades, raising concerns about transport-related emissions and worsening air pollution, according to a recent study.
The country had approximately 4.47 million vehicles in 1990, but the figure exceeded 39 million by 2025, the report said.
Carbon dioxide emissions also increased significantly, rising from 13.8 million tonnes in 1990 to 43.6 million tonnes in 2023.
The study highlighted the contribution of transport to air pollution in major urban centres, particularly Lahore, where transport reportedly accounts for 81.3% of carbon dioxide emissions.
Transport’s reported share of air pollution stands at 33% in Karachi, 53% in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and 51% in Peshawar.
The findings also point to the potential long-term consequences of air pollution for public health. According to the report, exposure to polluted air has been associated with an estimated reduction of seven years in average life expectancy.
The growing number of vehicles and rising emissions underline the need to address transport-related pollution as Pakistan’s cities continue to expand.