ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Driving to Babusar Top, a popular summer getaway in northern Pakistan, you once passed through lush forests that provided shade and stability. But today, those hills are barren, stripped of the trees that stood for a century. This loss played a major role in the catastrophic flash floods last August. The heavy rains sent torrents down the naked slopes, destroying homes and infrastructure.
These floods took more than 300 lives and affected around 1.6 million people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring Gilgit-Baltistan. “Deforestation is the main culprit behind the destruction,” said Muhammad Hanif, who works with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department. He emphasized that illegal logging has surged since 2017, driven by weak laws and increased demand for firewood.
Pakistan’s forests cover only about 5.4% of the land, a stark contrast to many countries. Each year, about 11,000 hectares are lost to logging, fires, and land conversion. Without trees, the natural barriers that absorb rainfall are gone, making floods and landslides more likely.
“When we cut trees, we not only harm the environment but also make ourselves more vulnerable,” Hanif noted. He stressed the need for alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to lessen reliance on wood.
Environmental Dangers
The destruction doesn’t stop with deforestation. Mountains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan are also being crushed for gravel, fueling Pakistan’s construction boom. Aisha Khan, a climate activist, warns that this not only removes vegetation but also destabilizes ecosystems. “This deteriorates biodiversity and threatens glaciers that supply water to millions,” she said.
Pakistan has over 13,000 glaciers, many of which are becoming increasingly unstable. There are around 3,000 glacial lakes, with 33 being potentially dangerous. Dust from mining activities contributes to poor air quality, leading to thousands of premature deaths each year.
Mental Health Impact
The floods took a toll not only on infrastructures but also on mental health. “The psychological impact of climate change is significant,” noted Dr. Ahsan Naveed, a psychiatrist who has set up mental health camps in affected areas. Survivors experience severe stress, and many children show signs of PTSD.
Further, the recurring disasters erode community trust and resilience, trapping families in cycles of fear and trauma. Dr. Naveed’s team offers therapy and community healing sessions to address these mental health needs.
Pollution Problems
Air pollution is a significant issue in major cities like Lahore and Karachi, with rising pollution levels caused by traffic, industrial emissions, and agricultural burning. Recently, new anti-smog initiatives have been introduced, including air quality monitoring and advanced fog management techniques.
The Punjab government is deploying anti-smog technologies designed to spray water into the air to minimize harmful particulates. Senior officials acknowledge that smog is now a public health emergency.
Gaps in Governance
Despite having environmental regulations in place, enforcement is weak. According to Bina Shahid, an environmental lawyer, illegal logging and quarrying continue, driven by corruption and weak institutions. “Local mafias operate unchecked due to political ties,” she explained.
Though laws exist, their inconsistent enforcement leaves eco-systems unprotected. This leads to more frequent and intense disasters, impacting not just the environment but also community health and well-being.
Future Actions
In June, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s top court ordered stricter enforcement of environmental laws. The government reported improvements in forest cover, but lasting change requires ongoing monitoring and community involvement.
Experts urge the government to enhance the capacity of local authorities and promote citizen participation in environmental stewardship. “Supporting locals is crucial; they are key to effective enforcement,” Hanif added.
Mental health also needs consideration in climate policies. “We can’t rebuild communities without addressing psychological wounds,” said Dr. Naveed.
As Pakistan grapples with these intertwined crises, the call for action grows louder. The loss of forests and mountains isn’t just an environmental issue; it affects people’s lives, health, and resilience. Without decisive steps, the future looks bleak, with greater disasters on the horizon.
For more insights on Pakistan’s environmental challenges, you can refer to Health Policy Watch.
