LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), recently took to social media to poke at the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in Punjab over the region’s dire air quality situation. His tweet, showcasing a real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) ranking, suggested a migration to Karachi, the capital of Sindh, where PPP reigns, boasting a remarkably lower AQI than Punjab’s heavily polluted cities. With Punjab under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership and the PML-N in control, the taunt reflects the growing tension between PPP and PML-N as Lahore and other cities in Punjab battle hazardous air quality, worsening public health crises, and mounting political pressure.
Dear Pakistan, move to Karachi. 😎 pic.twitter.com/OVF13vvRp2
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 12, 2024
Reigniting PML(N)-PPP tensions
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s post did more than just highlight air quality discrepancies; it reignited the political rivalry between the Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). This rivalry has grown particularly pointed in recent months, as both parties vie for control over narratives around governance, environment, and public welfare. The PPP, which has governed Sindh for over a decade, holds Karachi up as an example of effective management, especially in contrast to Punjab’s smog-laden cities like Lahore and Multan. Sindh’s relatively clean air, as seen in Karachi’s AQI, has provided PPP with a political tool to critique the PML-N’s environmental policies in Punjab, adding to the contentious political atmosphere.
Smog in Punjab
Under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, the PML-N faces mounting scrutiny over Punjab’s deteriorating air quality. With AQI levels soaring to hazardous levels in cities such as Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan, questions regarding the PML-N’s ability to manage Punjab’s environmental crisis have become central to the political discourse. The air pollution issue has compounded other governance challenges for the PML-N, testing Maryam Nawaz’s administration. Schools have been forced to close, and public health warnings have been issued, as hospitals report an influx of patients suffering from respiratory issues. The PML-N, already battling political opposition from both the PPP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), now faces the added challenge of justifying its environmental policies and strategies, or lack thereof, in the face of an escalating public health crisis.
In Sindh, where the PPP maintains a stronghold, the air quality remains significantly better, as evidenced by Karachi’s AQI of 78 in comparison to Punjab’s alarming figures. This disparity has allowed the PPP to present its governance of Sindh as more effective, positioning Karachi as a city where the environmental conditions are manageable. The AQI difference has proven politically advantageous for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, enabling him to leverage environmental performance as a measure of the PPP’s competency. This environmental edge has been strategically used to reinforce Sindh’s political narrative as a well-managed province, further fueling the PPP’s rivalry with the PML-N on a national level.
Transboundary pollution
While the political tug-of-war intensifies, the reality of transboundary pollution complicates the issue. Punjab’s worsening air quality is not entirely contained within its borders, with smog drifting from neighbouring regions, including parts of India, exacerbating the crisis. Experts argue that this issue calls for collaborative environmental strategies across provinces and borders, transcending political affiliations. However, given the strained relations between PPP and PML-N, especially with the upcoming elections, such cooperation seems challenging. Bilateral discussions with India on environmental issues and interprovincial cooperation are still in early stages, with Punjab and Sindh’s governments focusing more on political point-scoring than meaningful collaboration.
The power of online rhetoric
Bilawal’s taunt on social media marks a shift in how Pakistan’s political figures engage with their audience and leverage digital platforms for political commentary. His post directed attention not only to Punjab’s AQI but also to the governance model of the PPP in Sindh. By suggesting a “move to Karachi,” Bilawal framed his party’s governance as more effective in managing environmental issues, strategically contrasting it with the PML-N’s struggles. Social media’s immediacy and reach amplify these messages, influencing public perception and setting the stage for a larger political narrative. This online sparring reflects a modern twist in Pakistan’s political discourse, where posts become as influential as official statements.
The smog crisis in Punjab has escalated beyond political jabs, affecting tens of thousands of residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Lahore’s hazardous air quality has led to an influx of hospital admissions for respiratory issues, with public health experts warning of long-term health impacts. This health crisis has triggered public outcry over the government’s response, with citizens demanding immediate action. The PML-N’s limited interventions, such as temporary school closures and work-from-home policies, have been criticised as insufficient. Bilawal’s taunt underscores these grievances, giving voice to growing public dissatisfaction with the PML-N’s handling of the crisis.