New LUMS Research Centre to Strengthen Punjab’s Smog Control and Air Quality Policies
The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has launched the Centre for Air Pollution and Environment (CAPE) to investigate the major sources of air pollution across Punjab. Supported by a multi-year grant from Coefficient Giving, the initiative will conduct research at multiple locations and establish a state-of-the-art laboratory to analyse the chemical composition of air pollutants. Dr. Qasim Imtiaz, a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at LUMS, has been appointed the centre’s founding director.
CAPE will focus on identifying and measuring the contributions of different sources to particulate air pollution, assessing indoor air quality in schools, and examining the health and environmental impacts of pollution. The research aims to generate reliable scientific evidence to help policymakers develop targeted interventions. The centre will also work with government departments, researchers and local communities to translate its findings into practical solutions for improving air quality.
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The launch brought together LUMS leadership, government representatives, environmental organisations and researchers to discuss Punjab’s air pollution challenges and existing monitoring initiatives. Discussions covered smog mitigation, emissions inventories, air-quality action plans, vehicle emissions testing and the use of Safe City systems to monitor environmental violations. Participants emphasised the importance of stronger scientific data, interdepartmental coordination and research to evaluate the effectiveness of pollution-control measures.
Air pollution remains a major environmental and public health concern in Pakistan. Estimates cited in the announcement indicate that reducing ambient air pollution to international health guideline levels could increase average life expectancy by approximately 5.3 years in Lahore, 4.6 years in Islamabad and 2.6 years in Karachi. Through scientific research and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, CAPE aims to improve understanding of pollution sources and support evidence-based policies to protect public health across Punjab.
