ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) announced on Sunday that it will initiate a comprehensive crackdown on all smoke-emitting vehicles in the federal capital from November 17, as part of intensified measures to tackle air pollution ahead of the smog season.
The campaign will involve random roadside inspections and on-the-spot emissions testing at multiple locations across the city. Vehicles found exceeding the permissible smoke emission limits will face immediate fines or impoundment.
The announcement was made by Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, through an official statement issued on Sunday. He warned that the onset of the smog season was fast approaching, bringing with it 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 develops through a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and the burning of solid waste and crop residues, poses severe health risksespecially to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. It also damages the environment by reducing visibility, harming crops, and exacerbating urban air pollution.
Shaikh stressed that no government initiative could succeed without public cooperation. He urged citizens to limit the unnecessary use of private vehicles, use public transport wherever possible, ensure regular vehicle maintenance to minimise emissions, and avoid burning waste or leaves in open spaces.
He also called on all vehicle owners in Islamabad and surrounding areas to have their vehicles tested for smoke emissions before November 17 at officially designated testing centres, and to obtain a clearance sticker to avoid penalties. For information on testing sites across the city, vehicle owners can contact the Pak-EPA office on 051-9250713 during working hours, Monday to Friday.
“Vehicles found violating emission standards during inspections will be fined, and those emitting excessive smoke may be impounded,” Shaikh warned.
The emissions testing campaign, which is already underway, comprises both static testing stations and mobile inspection units. Key sites have been established at D-Chowk near the Old Parade Ground, F-9 Park, and along major entry and exit routes such as the Islamabad Expressway. Mobile teams are also carrying out unannounced checks in high-traffic and commercial zones, according to ministry officials.
This initiative is a joint effort of Pak-EPA Islamabad, the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA), Islamabad Police, and Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), under the supervision of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the Islamabad Administration.
Shaikh described the campaign as an integral part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce vehicular pollution and protect public health and environmental quality in the capital. Alongside enforcement, public awareness activities are being organised through various media platforms to educate citizens on the importance of emissions testing and vehicle upkeep.
“Vehicular emissions are among the leading sources of air pollution and a major contributor to environmental degradation in urban areas,” he underlined. “We are taking all necessary measures to address this threat and safeguard the health of our citizens, particularly children and the elderly.”
He explained that the testing process involves measuring exhaust levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, which pose serious health and environmental hazards. Vehicles that pass the test will receive clearance stickers, allowing authorities to easily identify compliant vehicles.
Shaikh concluded by urging all motorists to cooperate fully with inspection teams and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained to prevent smoke emissions.
