Dr. Saima Hashim
Pakistan’s urban landscapes, particularly the historic cities of Lahore and Peshawar, stand at a critical crossroads where the rich tapestry of ancient history intersects with the pressing challenges of modern-day environmental crises. As two of the most culturally significant and historically important cities in Pakistan, they are also among the most polluted urban areas in South Asia. Despite this alarming environmental situation, both cities have an undeniable potential to recover and thrive—one that lies not only in mitigating the impacts of pollution but also in leveraging their vast cultural and historical resources to emerge as sustainable, global tourism and cultural hubs once again. This transformation, however, demands immediate and strategic action. To achieve this, Lahore and Peshawar must find ways to balance the urgent need to address environmental degradation with the equally important task of preserving and showcasing their heritage for future generations.
Lahore, often referred to as the heart of Pakistan’s cultural legacy, stands as a living testament to the country’s intellectual, artistic, and spiritual history. For centuries, Lahore has been home to majestic Mughal-era monuments, such as the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens, all of which continue to awe visitors from around the world. The city is also famed for its vibrant bazaars, which are an emblem of the bustling, multi-cultural spirit that has shaped Lahore for generations. The poetic contributions of figures like Allama Iqbal, whose work continues to inspire intellectual and artistic pursuits, have further cemented Lahore’s status as the intellectual and cultural capital of Pakistan. The old city, with its intricate layout of narrow streets and historic buildings, reflects a rich cultural exchange and a deep-rooted history. But despite this cultural wealth, Lahore is facing a severe environmental crisis. The air quality in the city has deteriorated drastically, with toxic levels of smog frequently enveloping the streets, particularly during the winter months. The primary contributors to this air pollution are the widespread burning of waste, including crop stubble, along with the emissions from an increasing number of vehicles and industrial activities. This, compounded by inadequate waste management infrastructure, has led to a situation where the very streets and neighborhoods that once buzzed with life and culture are now posing a health risk to the people who inhabit them.
While the environmental challenges facing Lahore are significant, the city’s cultural heritage remains its most promising asset. If managed strategically, Lahore’s tourism sector could once again become a major contributor to the economy, provided that the environmental crisis is addressed. Immediate action is necessary to bring about the transformation needed to revitalize the city’s urban environment. One of the key steps in this process would be implementing effective waste segregation and recycling programs throughout the city. Establishing waste-to-energy plants, composting facilities, and more efficient recycling systems could help divert waste from landfills and reduce the harmful emissions caused by open burning. Additionally, enforcing stricter regulations on open waste burning and industrial emissions could help reduce the levels of smog and improve the overall air quality. A commitment to creating green spaces within the urban environment—parks, trees, and green public areas—would not only provide cleaner air but also improve the quality of life for residents, making Lahore an even more attractive destination for both local and international tourists. This requires a cultural shift, one in which environmental sustainability becomes ingrained in the daily lives of Lahoris, so that the protection of the environment becomes as much a part of the city’s identity as its artistic and historical heritage.
Peshawar, too, boasts a rich and storied past, one that extends back thousands of years. As the gateway to the Khyber Pass, Peshawar has long been a crossroads of cultures, serving as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road. The city’s historic sites—such as the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, where tales of warriors, traders, and poets were passed down through generations, and the fortifications of Bala Hisar Fort—attest to its pivotal role in South Asian history. The Khyber Pass itself, with its rugged terrain and centuries of historical significance, has witnessed countless conquests and exchanges between civilizations, all of which have left their indelible mark on the city’s culture and identity. Yet, like Lahore, Peshawar is not immune to the negative consequences of rapid urbanization. The city’s population has been growing steadily, and with this growth has come an escalating waste crisis. Open burning of waste, poorly managed landfills, and lack of proper waste disposal systems have contributed to a deterioration in air quality. These environmental challenges threaten not only public health but also the city’s potential to attract tourism. International travelers, who may be drawn to the city’s historical landmarks and scenic landscapes, are often deterred by the environmental conditions that accompany it. The pollution, coupled with insufficient waste management, has cast a shadow over Peshawar’s tourism and cultural appeal.
However, despite these challenges, Peshawar remains an incredibly vibrant and culturally rich city with immense potential. The preservation and promotion of Peshawar’s historical sites, like Bala Hisar Fort and the Peshawar Museum, and its beautiful surroundings, including the scenic Khyber Pass, offer an unparalleled opportunity for eco-tourism. By linking the city’s natural beauty with sustainable tourism practices and heritage conservation, Peshawar could transform itself into a cultural and ecological destination that appeals to responsible travelers. In order to achieve this, the city must prioritize sustainable waste management, including the establishment of community recycling programs, composting initiatives, and better waste disposal systems. Additionally, promoting eco-tourism in Peshawar, which connects the city’s rich history and natural environment to conservation efforts, would help create an image of the city that is as forward-looking as it is historically rooted.
Peshawar, however, faces two additional challenges that make its situation even more vulnerable. First, the city has historically lacked the level of non-governmental organization (NGO) support and civil society activism seen in Lahore. While Lahore has seen several successful initiatives, such as the Clean Cities Project, which have garnered local and international support, Peshawar’s civil networks and activism remain relatively underdeveloped. This limits the community-based action and volunteer-driven efforts that could drive meaningful environmental change. Second, Peshawar has also been affected by security concerns due to ongoing peace issues in the region. The instability and occasional violence in certain areas make it difficult to engage in volunteer and community-driven environmental programs, further exacerbating the challenges of waste management and environmental conservation in the city.
That said, Peshawar’s civil society networks, such as the Peshawar Clean Air Alliance and Sarhad Conservation Network, have emerged as strong advocates for environmental protection, working to raise awareness and push for cleaner air and more effective waste management systems. Their efforts, along with other local initiatives, are contributing to the development of a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment, and these groups play a pivotal role in promoting community involvement in environmental conservation.
Those who cherish the environment and hold a deep passion for cultural heritage share an even deeper love for both Lahore and Peshawar. The journey toward transforming both Lahore and Peshawar into sustainable urban centers while preserving their cultural heritage must involve coordinated and immediate action on several fronts. First, both cities must implement comprehensive waste segregation programs. This includes educating citizens on how to separate organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste, which can then be processed in more environmentally friendly ways. Establishing community-level recycling hubs, providing accessible waste bins, and offering incentives for participation can help foster a more sustainable waste culture. Investment in green infrastructure is equally critical. Waste-to-energy plants, composting facilities, and green spaces must be incorporated into urban development plans to reduce pollution and improve the health and quality of life for residents. Cities must also implement and enforce strict regulations on waste burning, a practice that not only worsens air quality but also contributes to the loss of cultural and ecological assets. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to raising consciousness about the link between waste management, air quality, and health. These campaigns must reach all sectors of society, from schools to local communities, to instill a sense of collective responsibility in citizens.
Achieving these changes, however, requires a profound shift in behavior. People in both cities need to understand that their daily actions—whether it’s the way they dispose of waste, their use of plastics, or their involvement in community conservation—will have a direct impact on the environment. Public education campaigns must be launched that explain the environmental consequences of poor waste management and teach citizens how to manage waste more effectively. Citizens should also be encouraged to reduce their use of plastic and to choose alternatives wherever possible. Reducing plastic waste requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors, promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, and incentivizing the reuse and recycling of materials. Citizen participation must also be encouraged through platforms that allow residents to report waste management issues and hold polluters accountable. A greater sense of accountability will empower local communities to take responsibility for their surroundings. To motivate long-term sustainable practices, both the government and the private sector can introduce incentives, whether in the form of financial rewards or public recognition, for people who adopt more sustainable behaviors.
Lahore and Peshawar have the potential to become shining examples of how heritage and environmental sustainability can coexist. Both cities have a unique opportunity to restore their environmental health while preserving and promoting their rich cultural legacies. By addressing the pollution that threatens to overshadow their beauty and history, they can create urban landscapes that are not only livable but also globally competitive as sustainable cultural and tourism centers. With immediate action and sustained efforts, these cities can turn their environmental challenges into opportunities for growth, rejuvenation, and global recognition. By drawing on the wisdom of their past and the ingenuity of their people, Lahore and Peshawar can build a future where their heritage and the environment are cherished and protected for generations to come.
As the Korean proverb reminds us, “Even cold water has its hierarchy.” By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Lahore and Peshawar can ensure that their future, much like their rich histories, will remain untarnished and full of promise.
The author is an Environmentalist, Climate Change Adaptation, and Sustainability Specialist
