The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan for Pakistan under the Punjab Clean Air Program. According to the World Bank, the funds will be used to combat air pollution and improve air quality in Punjab.

In an official statement, the World Bank stated that the loan will strengthen Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan, which aims to enhance public health through comprehensive measures.

The World Bank’s Country Director emphasized that the Punjab Clean Air Program will play a crucial role in reducing smog. He highlighted that this initiative is a significant effort to improve the health and well-being of millions of citizens, leading to a notable decrease in respiratory and heart diseases.

The program aligns with the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework, which sets a target to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade. This initiative is expected to benefit 13 million residents of Lahore Division by reducing air pollution-related illnesses.

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