Stakeholder Management in Urban Environmental Governance: Lessons from Lahore's Air Pollution Crisis

Abstract

Lahore’s worsening air quality, primarily caused by increased vehicle traffic and unchecked urban expansion, is now one of South Asia’s most pressing environmental concerns. This challenge is not just about the environment; it also stems from weak governance, poor enforcement, and a lack of collaboration among key groups. To understand these issues, this study draws on twenty interviews with government officials, urban planners, transport experts, academics, and civil society members. It also reviews two main policy documents: the National Clean Air Policy (2023) and the Punjab Clean Air Action Plan. The findings reveal ongoing issues at various levels of government, including unclear roles, influence from powerful interest groups, rules that are followed in name only, and limited use of independent research in decision-making. Community voices, especially from low-income areas most affected by pollution, are often left out. The paper suggests that real progress will require a new approach, involving collaboration, open data sharing, and joint planning. This could turn scattered efforts into real, lasting results. What happens in Lahore can offer lessons for other fast-growing cities in the Global South facing similar challenges.