Islamabad to launch crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles to combat worsening air pollution

Vehicle owners must get vehicles tested, obtain clearance stickers from Pak-EPA centres by Nov 17 to avoid penalties

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) will launch a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles across the federal capital from November 17 in a bid to combat worsening air pollution ahead of the smog season.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Mohammad Saleem Sheikh, the campaign aims to curb emissions before smog conditions intensify.

“The smog season poses serious risks to public health and the environment. Protecting ourselves, our families, and our surroundings from the harmful effects of air pollution is a collective responsibility,” Sheikh said in a statement.

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Under the campaign, random inspections will be carried out at multiple points across Islamabad. On-the-spot emission tests will determine whether vehicles meet permissible smoke levels. Violators will face fines, and in extreme cases, vehicles may be impounded. The crackdown covers all vehicle types, including motorcycles, cars and heavy transport.

“There will be no progress without public cooperation. The success of this campaign depends on how seriously the public responds,” Sheikh stressed.

According to the ministry, smog is primarily driven by vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and the burning of garbage and crop residue. It poses severe health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, while also reducing visibility, damaging crops and degrading the environment.

“Islamabad must remain clean and green, and that’s only possible with full public support,” Sheikh emphasised.

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The campaign will be led by Pak-EPA in coordination with the Islamabad Transport Authority, Islamabad Police and Islamabad Traffic Police, under the supervision of the Islamabad Capital Administration and the Ministry of Climate Change.

Vehicle testing has already begun through stationary and mobile units deployed at key entry and exit points, including D-Chowk near Parade Ground, F-9 Park and Islamabad Expressway. Mobile teams are also conducting surprise checks in busy commercial and high-traffic areas.

Authorities have urged vehicle owners to voluntarily test their vehicles and obtain clearance stickers from Pak-EPA-authorised centres before November 17 to avoid penalties. The tests measure harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and other pollutants, with clearance stickers issued to vehicles that pass for easy identification by enforcement teams.

Alongside enforcement, the government has launched a public awareness campaign encouraging responsible driving and environmental consciousness. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use public transport, regularly maintain their vehicles to cut emissions, and refrain from burning trash or leaves in open spaces. The campaign is being promoted across media platforms to ensure broad engagement.

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Appealing to citizens, Sheikh said: “Vehicular emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution in urban areas and pose a serious threat to public health. We are taking all possible measures to address this issue, especially to protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.”

For further information, citizens can contact the Pak-EPA Islamabad office at 051-9250713 during working hours.