Under an urban regeneration project, the Metropolitan Corporation (MC) Faisalabad has launched a comprehensive plan to revive the colonial-era eight bazaars surrounding the historic Clock Tower, a landmark of the city popularly known as the Manchester of Pakistan. Photo: Express
FAISALABAD:
Faisalabad experienced unhealthy air quality on most days between October 2025 and September 2026 and ranked eighth among the world’s 15 most polluted cities in a global ranking survey, according to findings presented by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Pakistan.
The findings were shared at an interactive session on nature conservation and air quality monitoring organised by WWF-Pakistan under its EPIC Air Quality Project at a local hotel.
The event brought together government officials, academics and environmental stakeholders to discuss the city’s growing air pollution problem.
The event was organised by Muhammad Haroon of WWF-Pakistan under the leadership of Sohail Ali Naqvi, director of the organisation’s Freshwater Programme.
Arjmand, senior manager, and Ali Amjad, manager at WWF-Pakistan, also contributed to the event, alongside Dr Zaeem Bin Babar, assistant professor at the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Commissioner Faisalabad Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh addressed the issue of air pollution and seasonal smog, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to improve air quality.
He appreciated WWF-Pakistan’s work on water replenishment and air pollution monitoring in the city.
Participants highlighted the importance of reliable air quality data, nature conservation and stronger cooperation among government institutions, academia and environmental organisations to tackle pollution and protect public health. Representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry also took part in the discussion.
In his closing remarks, Government College University Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Rauf-i-Azam appreciated WWF-Pakistan’s initiatives and called for collective efforts to address environmental challenges.
