Lucky Pakistanis who succeed in dodging death through bombing or by being shot stand a lean chance of escaping the hazardous effects of industrial practices leading to environmental degradation.

The communities settled near industrial areas are vulnerable: exposed to poisonous emissions and a sub-standard water supply owing to dumping and seepage of effluents flushed out by factories. Environment Laws of the provinces prohibit private businesses from indulging in such practices and require factories to install primary effluent treatment plants, if necessary.

The business community, multiple tiers of administration and environment protection establishments have not shown any interest in applying technological solutions or the determination to deal with environmental degradation. Why do affectees not react?

The business community, administration and environment protection establishments have not shown any interest in dealing with environmental degradation

“People are busy fighting fear, earning their livelihood and securing basic necessities and so have no time to care for community concerns, even when it is about the air they breathe or water they consume”, a community activist told Dawn.

“The futility of efforts to move the system against polluters and risks involved for campaigners from the ‘unholy alliance’ of law enforcers and powerful violators discourage public action”, she added.

For anyone interested, a random visit to settlements close to industrial areas would show them the sad plight of the dwellers there.

The case of Syed Nagar, Alipur Chatta, Gujranwala, is a typical example of commission and omission by environmental law violators and those responsible for checking such excesses. According to records provided to Dawn, one such case is a black oil refinery, Sheikh Brothers Lubricant, which has been flouting environmental law.

The pollution has compromised the health of residents of nearby settlements. According to dwellers, who requested not to be identified, the incidence of hepatitis and respiratory complications is dangerously high in Syed Nagar. The local doctors were scared and declined to come on record though endorsed the perception.

When reached over phone Sheikh Ghazanfar Iqbal, co proprietor of the said plant, dismissed allegations of any wrongdoing. “Our plant has been cleared by environment inspectors who gave the factory a fitness certificate based on the test results of water samples. Yes, the ground water in the vicinity is dirty but the culprit is the sewage drain and not our factory”, he said over phone.

Wasim Cheema, an official of the Punjab Environment Protection Agency, was evasive in the beginning. It took a call from the minister to persuade him to share the official position. He confirmed to Dawn on the phone from Lahore that he had called the management of Sheikh Lubricant for a hearing to address the issue.

“A complaint was launched in 2013. We held a hearing the same year and in Nov 2013 ordered the plant management to comply with legal requirements on environment standards. In March 2014 the inspecting party reported compliance.

“In Jan 2017 we again received a complaint for which a hearing was held the same month and inspection was ordered. We will ensure full compliance and seal the plant if the management is found guilty”, he said admitting that the EPA is not sufficiently equipped to deal with the huge challenge of disciplining the powerful industrial sector in Punjab.

“A delay in enforcing environmental standards by industrial units could push Pakistan further back in its standing as a responsible nation that honours its commitment to improve the quality of life for its citizens”, commented an expert.

“The deadly industrial pollution is a result of twin factors: the irresponsible conduct of businesses blinded by the zest for profit maximisation; ignorant vulnerable communities; the lack of will and capacity of regulators to enforce relevant laws”, he added.

Pakistan was ranked 113th among 133 nations assessed for the 2016 Social Progress Index that also includes environment standards. The country was behind others in the region trailing Sri Lanka at 83rd, China 84th, Iran 93rd, India 98th and Bangladesh on 101st. According to online information on the said Index site, “Social progress depends on the policy choices, investment and implementation capabilities of multiple stakeholders, government, civil society and business”.

When contacted Majyd Aziz, Chairman, Employers Federation of Pakistan, admitted that the situation was far from satisfactory.

“We are focused on the issue, trying to increase awareness among our members. The risk of losing market in the West and the GSP status is real. The Environment Protection Agency, instead of using the law to harass and extract money from the business community, needs to get serious. They should take business leaders on board to collectively deal with the issue”, he argued.

Muhammad Ali Malkani, Sindh minister for environment and alternate energy, who recently assumed the portfolio, expressed hope that the situation in the province will improve under his charge. “I will try everything within means to reverse the trend of environment degradation”, he asserted.

Zamir Ahmed Khan secretary, environment and alternate energy, Sindh, did not contest the sorry state of affairs. “We have limitations. This department can only be effective if related departments such as water and power, the industry and law enforcement extend full cooperation”.

Ashiq Ali Langa, director, Karachi, Sindh EPA, told Dawn that the department lacked funds, staff and power to execute its mandate. “There are about 4,500 registered industrial units in six industrial areas of Karachi and many more unregistered units scattered all across the city. An authentic profile of these factories is not available. Laboratories required to test standards are dysfunctional for paucity of resources. The moment we proceed against violators they get a court stay order. There is no Environment Protection Tribunal. How do you expect us to function efficiently?”, he said.

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, April 24th, 2017