National Clean Air Policy (NCAP)

Objectives

1. Reduce PM2.5 emissions by 38% in 2030 compared to the baseline scenario and by 21% compared to 2020 levels.
2. Reducing emissions by 81% in 2040 compared to the baseline scenario and by 70% compared to 2020 levels.

Description

The National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) aims to provide a framework for improving air quality in Pakistan. While NCAP is a national document, it identifies that provinces of Pakistan as having a crucial role in implementing measures to improve air quality within their areas of responsibility. The Policy builds on Pakistan's first National Inventory for Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) which was compiled in 2022 and identified priority actions for SLCP mitigation. It uses Air Quality Guidelines established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021 as a reference for identified targets. 

Measures

The NCAP identifies one priority intervention in each of the five sectors with the aim of accelerating progress to reduce air pollutant emissions across all major sources:

1. Transport: Implement Euro-5 and Euro-6 Fuel Quality Standards
2. Industry: Enforce emission standards for industries
3. Agriculture: Prevent burning of agricultural residues
4. Waste: Prevent open burning of municipal solid waste
5. Households/ Residential: Promote use of low emission cooking technologies