Govt sets deadline for vehicle inspection

All govt, private vehicles required to obtain fitness certificates

LAHORE:

In a bid to tackle the worsening smog crisis, the Punjab government has announced compulsory vehicle inspections across the province under its comprehensive anti-smog plan.

All government and private vehicles will now be required to obtain fitness certificates from the Vehicle Fitness Authority.

The directive applies to both small and large vehicles and aims to curb emissions that contribute significantly to smog formation.

Instructions have been issued to all provincial secretaries and commissioners to ensure compliance, with a deadline of January 30 set for ministries and their subordinate departments.

"Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, and ensuring roadworthy, emission-compliant vehicles is essential for improving air quality," a government spokesperson explained.

The inspection initiative underscores the administration's commitment to addressing environmental challenges, particularly in urban centres like Lahore, where air quality has consistently reached hazardous levels.

To enforce the mandate, the government has issued notifications to all departments, urging them to complete vehicle inspections before the deadline.

This proactive measure is part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution levels and mitigate the health risks associated with smog.

Authorities have warned that failure to comply with the new regulations will result in strict penalties, including fines and potential de-registration of non-compliant vehicles.

Meanwhile, complementing the vehicle inspection drive, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb chaired a workshop for the Punjab Air Clean Programme, an initiative launched in collaboration with the World Bank.

The programme aims to improve the province's air quality by introducing electric buses, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and implementing environmentally friendly industrial measures.

The introduction of electric buses represents a significant shift towards reducing vehicular emissions, a primary source of air pollution.

"Electric public transport will not only help decrease emissions but also set a precedent for sustainable urban mobility," Aurangzeb noted.