Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's ranking in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index improved by 22 places, moving from 179th to 157th.
- The improvement is attributed to increased environmental action, particularly in Punjab.
- Punjab has intensified measures to control air pollution, strengthen enforcement, and expand technology-based monitoring.
Pakistan has improved its standing in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), climbing 22 places to rank 157th among 177 countries assessed. This improvement marks a significant shift from the 179th position it held in 2024, according to the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy.
The EPI, which ranks countries based on 47 indicators across 12 environmental issue categories, highlights Pakistan's progress in areas such as environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate change. The improvement is particularly notable in Punjab, where authorities have intensified efforts to address environmental challenges.
In Punjab, the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department has stepped up actions against major sources of pollution, especially ahead of the smog season. This includes intensified inspections and enforcement against polluting industries, brick kilns, and smoke-emitting vehicles.
The provincial Environment Protection Agency has also expanded technology-based environmental monitoring, including real-time air-quality monitoring and local air-quality forecasting. These systems are used to identify pollution hotspots, support enforcement operations, and provide air-quality advisories.
Measures targeting vehicular emissions have been strengthened, with authorities deploying emissions-monitoring technologies to identify high-emitting vehicles. Industrial units are required to comply with emission-control standards, and brick kilns are monitored for compliance with approved technologies and environmental regulations.
Punjab has also pursued measures to reduce plastic pollution through restrictions on prohibited plastic bags and increased inspections in markets and commercial areas. Environmental awareness and climate action have been integrated into provincial programmes, with initiatives like the Green School Certification focusing on environmental education and practical measures in schools.
The latest EPI ranking provides an international benchmark for assessing environmental performance. It highlights the ongoing challenges in areas such as air pollution, environmental health, ecosystem protection, and climate change. For Punjab, the latest ranking comes at a time when the provincial government is placing greater emphasis on data-driven environmental monitoring, stricter enforcement, and preventive measures to address pollution and environmental degradation.
The improvement in Pakistan's ranking is a testament to the concerted efforts made by the provincial government and various stakeholders to address environmental issues. However, the challenges remain significant, and continued focus on environmental action is necessary to sustain and further improve the country's standing.
