In a major policy move to tackle rising air pollution levels, the federal government of Pakistan has imposed a ban on the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles into Islamabad. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, is part of a broader campaign to enforce global environmental standards and improve air quality in the capital.
“No smoke-emitting vehicle will be allowed to enter Islamabad,” said Talal Chaudhry. “Polluting vehicles will be fined, and we’re starting with our own government fleet to set an example.”
Vehicle Emission Testing Campaign launched
The campaign officially began with a high-profile launch event where Minister Chaudhry presented his own vehicle for emissions testing, showcasing the use of modern equipment by the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA). The campaign’s immediate objective is to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from vehicles, which has been identified as a major contributor to deteriorating air quality in the city.
According to Chaudhry, the air quality index (AQI) in Islamabad has reached dangerous levels, touching 200 in recent days. “We are taking corrective measures to address this,” he told reporters. The initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and aligns with national environmental reforms.
Leading by example
The campaign kicked off with emissions testing of government vehicles, starting from the residence of Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon. Memon’s vehicle was the first to be inspected and received a digital clearance sticker after passing the test. All official vehicles operated by the Islamabad district administration, including those at the Pak Secretariat, are scheduled for similar inspections.
Irfan Memon emphasized the importance of public accountability in the effort: “We aim to promote responsible vehicle maintenance and reduce harmful emissions from transport sources.”
A permanent vehicle testing station is being set up near the Old Parade Ground. Vehicles that pass inspection will receive a scannable QR-code sticker, which will serve as proof of compliance and will be digitally verifiable.
Enforcement Measures and Expansion to Private Vehicles
The emission testing campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Modern, internationally certified equipment is being used to measure carbon monoxide levels in exhaust fumes. Vehicles emitting more than six percent carbon monoxide will be issued warnings and could face penalties if the violations persist.
Sajid Bashir, Head of the Emission Testing System at EPA Punjab, stated during a detailed briefing, “Each vehicle passing the test will receive a scannable clearance sticker. This adds transparency and traceability to the entire process.”
In the next phase, the campaign will expand to inspect private and public transport at bus terminals, traffic checkpoints, and other high-traffic areas. Repeat offenders risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal action.
Support from Punjab and long-term vision
Minister Chaudhry acknowledged the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who dispatched trained personnel and advanced testing equipment to support operations in Islamabad.
“This is the first time such testing is being conducted in the capital, and it’s being done to international standards,” said Chaudhry. “The greatest damage caused to the environment is through vehicle emissions.”
This initiative comes shortly after the federal government announced its Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, which aims to make 30 percent of all new vehicle sales electric by the end of the decade. The policy targets reductions in fossil fuel dependency and air pollution while promoting sustainable urban transport.
Pakistan’s urban areas, including Islamabad, rank among the most polluted in the world due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Environmental experts say efforts like this campaign are crucial to safeguarding public health, improving the quality of life, and meeting international climate obligations.
