A serious public health concern has emerged in Pakistan after a recent study revealed alarming levels of lead exposure among young children. The findings have triggered strong criticism from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which has accused the federal government of failing to protect children from environmental hazards.
According to a joint study conducted by the Ministry of National Health Services and UNICEF, nearly four out of every ten children aged between 12 to 36 months in high-risk areas across seven major cities have dangerous levels of lead in their blood. The affected cities include Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, as well as areas like Haripur and Hattar.
PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram termed the findings a “national disgrace,” stating that such high levels of contamination reflect severe governance failures. He highlighted that children in Haripur and Hattar are facing an alarming contamination rate of 88%, putting their health and development at serious risk.
Medical experts warn that lead exposure in children can cause irreversible brain damage, reduced IQ, weakened immune systems, stunted growth, anaemia, and lifelong health complications. Even minimal exposure can have lasting consequences, making the situation particularly concerning.
The study and subsequent political reaction have drawn attention to the sources of lead contamination, including industrial emissions, unregulated battery recycling, lead-based paints, and contaminated everyday products such as spices and cosmetics.
PTI has called for urgent action, including nationwide screening programmes, stricter environmental regulations, improved monitoring systems, and accountability for those responsible. The party also criticised the lack of public awareness and weak enforcement mechanisms that have allowed the issue to persist over time.
Experts believe that if immediate measures are not taken, the crisis could worsen, affecting millions of children and potentially causing long-term economic and social consequences for the country.
The issue highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts between government authorities, health institutions, and environmental agencies to address the growing threat of lead exposure and ensure a safer future for children in Pakistan.
