In Pakistan’s fight for clean air, paqi emerges as a game-changer. This initiative brings 70 affordable PM2.5 sensors to cities nationwide, partnering with the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) and supporting the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP). The goal? To equip policymakers, citizens, and responders with real-time data to anticipate and mitigate air pollution and disaster risks.
In this article, we unpack how paqi works, why it matters, and how it promises to transform public health and environmental resilience in Pakistan.
The air quality crisis in Pakistan
Pakistan ranks among the world’s most polluted countries when it comes to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These particles are small enough to reach deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature death. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, air pollution contributes to over 100,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
Yet, the monitoring network has remained sparse and expensive. paqi addresses this by rolling out 70 low-cost PM2.5 monitors in partnership with NEOC, a dedicated cell of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This effort supports NCAP’s vision of modernizing air quality monitoring across the country.
How paqi works: partnership and technology
Strategic partnership
- NEOC / NDMA: Oversees real-time monitoring, disaster response, and data-driven decision-making.
- NCAP: Pakistan’s roadmap for addressing air pollution through regulation, awareness, and monitoring.
This collaboration builds on institutional strengths to deliver reliable, widespread sensors for PM2.5.
Affordable PM2.5 monitors
Traditional air quality monitors are expensive and require high maintenance. paqi deploys affordable yet accurate PM2.5 monitors, calibrated against standard devices to ensure data quality. When networks scale, affordable tech becomes essential.
Real-time data & alerts
Installed across urban and peri-urban areas, the 70 monitors feed data directly into NEOC’s platform. Citizens and officials can receive live air quality updates and alerts, enabling quicker response and protective measures.
Why paqi is a breakthrough
| Aspect | Traditional Systems | paqi Approach |
| Cost per monitor | Tens of thousands USD | Affordable, scalable units |
| Geographic coverage | Limited to few urban centers | 70 monitors across varied regions |
| Data availability | Intermittent, delayed updates | Real-time readings via NEOC portal |
| Sustainability | High maintenance burden | Low-cost, community-supported networks |
| Policy alignment | Fragmented efforts | Directly supports NCAP and NEOC goals |
Benefits of expanding air monitoring
Enhanced public health
With precise, real-time measurements of PM2.5, communities can take immediate action—like wearing masks or staying indoors—when air quality worsens. Long-term exposure monitoring helps identify pollution hotspots and inform mitigation efforts.
Improved policymaking
Before paqi, decisions were based on limited data. Now, granular sensor information guides targeted interventions—such as traffic management, industrial emissions control, or enforcement of burning bans.
Disaster preparedness
NEOC can integrate air quality data into broader disaster risk assessments. Dust storms, crop burning, and industrial spikes can be flagged early, and emergency alerts issued to communities.
Community engagement
Low-cost sensors allow installation in schools, parks, and neighborhoods. Residents can access live air quality indices, encouraging awareness, ownership, and citizen science participation.
Deployment strategy and implementation steps
- Site selection
Locations are chosen based on population density, pollution exposure, and disaster risk. - Sensor calibration
Devices are calibrated against reference-grade monitors to ensure data accuracy. - Installation & training
NEOC staff and local partners are trained to install and maintain sensors properly. - Data integration
Real-time feed into NEOC’s dashboard allows visualization, alert generation, and API access for researchers. - Public interface
A user-friendly platform offers live AQI, historical trends, and health advice to citizens. - Continuous evaluation
Regular audits ensure sensor accuracy, data quality, and system functionality.
Supporting Pakistan’s National Clean Air Policy
Launched in 2017, NCAP outlines air pollution targets, emission reduction strategies, and monitoring standards for Pakistan. However, implementation stalled due to lack of widespread data. paqi bridges this critical gap by:
- Scaling air quality monitoring in alignment with NCAP objectives
- Delivering data that supports NCAP’s actions on vehicle emissions, industrial air quality, and open burning legislation
- Creating a replicable model for other air pollutants like NO₂ and ozone
Voices from stakeholders
A policymaker’s perspective
A NEOC official shared: “paqi gives us the granularity to understand when and where air pollution spikes. It’s an indispensable tool for decision-making.”
A community member’s view
Residents near a major crossroads gain live AQI updates via a public dashboard: “Now we know when school kids should avoid outdoor recess.”
An environmental expert’s note
A Pakistani academic says: “paqi has democratized air data collection. Researchers can now analyze trends that were previously impossible to track.”
Challenges and solutions
- Sensor durability
Local conditions (heat, dust, humidity) can affect performance. Regular maintenance and calibration are key. - Data gaps in rural areas
Networks currently focus on cities. Expanding to peri-urban and rural zones will increase coverage. - Citizen trust and awareness
Users need confidence in data accuracy. Educational campaigns and transparent calibration records help build trust. - Funding sustainability
Public-private funding and philanthropic partnerships will be critical for continued network growth.
paqi in the broader air quality context
Globally, cities like Beijing, Delhi, and London rely on dense monitoring networks to drive progress. Pakistan’s paqi platform puts the country on the same path, using affordable sensors to build a robust monitoring infrastructure.
Additionally, paqi aligns with international frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), helping Pakistan meet global environmental standards.
Looking ahead: Future possibilities
- Expanding sensor types
Rollout of NO₂, O₃, CO monitors to measure broader pollutant mix. - Integration with climate data
Combining AQI data with weather and satellite analytics for predictive modelling. - Community science projects
Schools, NGOs, and citizen groups could host sensors and use data in education and campaigns. - Mobile alert systems
Apps and SMS alerts for public health advisories when pollution spikes. - Policy-driven action
Use paqi data to enforce regulations on industries, vehicles, and urban planning.
Conclusion
paqi marks a transformational step in Pakistan’s environmental landscape. By deploying 70 affordable PM2.5 sensors, the initiative empowers policymakers, communities, and health experts with data once unavailable or costly. Real-time monitoring fosters better decision-making, public health protection, and cleaner air—aligned squarely with NCAP goals.
This initiative sets the stage for an expanded national air quality network. With continued investment and community engagement, paqi can shape more resilient and healthier cities across Pakistan.
FAQs
Q: What does paqi stand for?
paqi refers to Pakistan’s affordable air quality initiative using PM2.5 sensors to strengthen real-time monitoring infrastructure.
Q: How accurate are these sensors?
They are low-cost but calibrated to high-grade monitors, offering reliable PM2.5 data fit for public health advisories.
Q: Who manages the data?
NEOC, under NDMA, oversees data collection, dashboard integration, and public alerting.
Q: Is this only in big cities?
Initially, yes—but plans include expanding to peri-urban and regional centers.
Q: How does this help citizens?
People get real-time air quality information and alerts, helping them take protective actions.
