Pak-EPA to Crackdown on Smoke-Emitting Vehicles from Oct 17
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Islamabad on Sunday announced that it will launch a strict crackdown on all types of smoke-emitting vehicles in the federal capital starting October 17 as part of coping measures to curb air pollution ahead of the smog season.
The campaign will include snap checking and on-the-spot testing of vehicles at various locations across the city. Vehicles found violating the permissible smoke emission limits will face fines or impoundment on the spot.FBR Tax Revenue Falls Short by Rs199b in Quarter
According to the statement issued by Climate and Environmental Coordination, this was stated by Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, in an official statement issued on Sunday.
He said the smog season was just around the corner, bringing serious public health and environmental challenges. “Protecting ourselves, our families, and our environment from the harmful effects of air pollution and smog is a collective responsibility,” he emphasised.
Smog, which forms due to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants and the burning of solid waste and crop residues, poses severe health risks, especially for children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses. It also contributes to environmental degradation, reducing visibility, damaging crops, and affecting overall air quality in urban areas.
“No government action can succeed and lead to a desired outcome of clean and green Islamabad without the active cooperation and support of the public,” the spokesperson added. “We urge citizens to avoid unnecessary use of vehicles, use public transport, ensure regular maintenance to minimise smoke emissions and refrain from burning waste or leaves in open spaces.”
He urged all vehicle owners in Islamabad and its suburbs to get their vehicles tested for smoke emissions before October 17 at officially designated testing points and obtain an official clearance sticker to avoid penalties. For more information regarding vehicle testing points established in different parts of Islamabad, vehicle owners can contact Pak-EPA office at 051-9250713 during working hours from Monday to Friday.
“Vehicles found violating emission standards during inspections will be fined, and those emitting excessive smoke may be impounded,” Mr. Saleem Shaikh warned.
The emission testing drive, already underway at various designated points across the city, includes both static testing centers and mobile inspection units. Key testing points have been established at D-Chowk near the Old Parade Ground, F-9 Park and major roads and entry and exit points such as the Islamabad Expressway. Mobile inspection teams also conduct surprise checks in commercial and high-traffic zones across the city, according to the ministry official.
The campaign is a joint initiative of Pak-EPA Islamabad, Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) the Islamabad Police and the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) under the supervision of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the Islamabad Administration.
Mr. Shaikh described the initiative as an integral part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce vehicular pollution and safeguard public health and environmental quality in the capital city.
In addition to enforcement, he said, public awareness activities are already being organised by all relevant stakeholders at different levels and through various media channels to educate citizens about the importance of vehicle maintenance and emission testing. The awareness drive aims to encourage voluntary compliance among vehicle owners to ensure cleaner air for Islamabad’s residents.
“Vehicular emissions are one of the leading sources of air pollution and major contributing factor of overall environmental degradation in urban areas,” the climate change and environmental coordination ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh emphasised. “We are taking all possible necessary steps to curb this menace and protect the health of our citizens, particularly children and elderly.”
He explained that the emission testing process involves monitoring exhaust levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, which pose significant health and environmental risks. Vehicles passing the test will be issued a clearance sticker, enabling authorities to easily identify compliant vehicles.
“All motorists are urged to fully cooperate with inspection teams and ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained to prevent smoke emissions,” Mr. Saleem Shaikh said.
