To tackle rising smog and air pollution levels, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has imposed sweeping restrictions, including the closure of all brick kilns and factories known to emit smoke.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon convened a meeting with key officials, including Assistant Commissioners, the Islamabad Transport Authority, and the Excise Department, to discuss strategies for reducing emissions. Following this meeting, strict measures were introduced to address the deteriorating air quality in the federal capital.
ICTA has mandated the temporary closure of smoke-producing factories to curb emissions and enforced a blanket ban on brick kilns until further notice. Additionally, vehicles emitting excessive smoke are prohibited from circulating within the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The administration also banned the burning of garbage, leaves, and other materials in open spaces to prevent further harm to the environment.
Vehicle inspection
ITA has been actively inspecting vehicles across the city to ensure compliance. During a recent inspection at a vegetable market, nine vehicles were fined for excessive emissions, while 27 received warning letters. Daily checks will continue citywide to monitor and enforce emission standards.
“These measures aim to control pollution levels before they turn into a severe smog situation,” DC Irfan Memon stated, emphasizing the goal of ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for Islamabad residents.
School closures
Due to worsening smog, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Environment Protection Department (EPD) ordered a five-day closure of all government and private schools in the Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad from November 13 to 17.
Additionally, 43 government institutions will operate at 50% attendance, with the remaining work conducted online, following COVID-19 SOP protocols. Formal notifications have been issued to enforce these directives.
Private school administration criticizes school closures
However, All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) President Abrar Ahmed Khan and All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA) President Irfan Muzaffar Kayani criticized the decision to close schools due to smog, highlighting that smog affects the entire region, not just educational institutions.
“Don’t experiment with education; let students attend classes with necessary SOPs, masks, and clean water as five vacations will result in a significant learning loss,” they advised.
Health advisory
Health authorities advised residents—especially children, elderly people, and asthma patients—to wear masks outdoors due to heightened pollution risks.
According to recent data from the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Islamabad’s PM 2.5 level reached an unhealthy 186 micrograms per cubic meter on November 8, sparking health concerns.
“The significant rise in PM 2.5 levels poses health risks,” Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Director of Lab and National Environmental Quality Standards at Pak-EPA, shared with Dawn.
Although Islamabad’s situation is less severe than Lahore’s, particulate matter (PM) levels remain concerning.