Environmental performance index: Pakistan climbs 22 places

Pakistan has climbed 22 places in the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI), moving from 179th in 2024 to 157th in the 2026 ranking, while India remains at 176th among the 177 countries assessed, according to the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. The EPI score for Pakistan is 29.03 and for India, it is 22.46. The 2026 EPI evaluates 177 countries based on 47 indicators across 12 environmental categories, grouped into three policy objectives: environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate change.

The improvement in Pakistan's ranking is attributed to increased environmental action at the provincial level, especially in Punjab. The provincial government has intensified measures to control air pollution, strengthen enforcement, and expand technology-based environmental monitoring. The Environment Protection and Climate Change Department in Punjab has stepped up action against major pollution sources, particularly ahead of the smog season.

Inspections and enforcement against polluting industries, brick kilns, smoke-emitting vehicles, and other activities have been stepped up. Technology-based monitoring systems, including real-time air-quality monitoring and local air-quality forecasting, have been expanded to identify pollution hotspots, support enforcement, and provide air-quality advisories.

Punjab's measures also include strengthening vehicular emission controls, enforcing emission standards for industrial units, and monitoring brick kilns for compliance with environmental regulations. The province has limited plastic pollution by restricting prohibited plastic bags and increasing inspections in markets and commercial areas.

Environmental awareness and climate action have been integrated into provincial programs, with initiatives like the Green School Certification focusing on environmental education and practical measures in schools.