In line with its mandate to enforce the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for motor vehicle exhaust and noise within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) conducted a robust compliance monitoring activity in collaboration with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP).
A dedicated Pak-EPA team, led by Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Deputy Director (Lab/NEQS), and Mr. Binyameen, Deputy Director (R&I), under the dynamic leadership of Director General, Pak-EPA, carried out an extensive day-long inspection drive at the main traffic entry and exit point of ICT at T-Chowk near Rawat, on Islamabad Expressway.
The inspection focused on heavy-duty diesel vehicles, especially those 10 years and older, to assess compliance with NEQS for exhaust emissions. During the monitoring activity, smoke opacity levels of numerous vehicles were measured, revealing that a significant number exceeded the permissible NEQS limits.
Violators were fined on the spot and instructed to ensure immediate tuning and maintenance of their vehicles. Many vehicles were further observed operating without valid fitness certificates, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regulatory action.
Based on these findings, Pak-EPA is engaging with relevant stakeholders, including the Islamabad Transport Authority, Excise and Taxation Department ICT, and Islamabad Traffic Police, to formulate and implement a comprehensive vehicular emission monitoring strategy.