Smoke-emitting vehicles in ICT: Strict punitive action to be taken against owners: Pak-EPA

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Sunday warned that strict punitive action will be taken against owners of smoke-emitting vehicles in the federal capital, stating that any vehicle releasing excessive emissions will face immediate penalties.

In an official statement, Pak-EPA Director General (DG) Nazia Zaib Ali said that the agency has intensified enforcement efforts to curb vehicular pollution — one of the leading contributors to Islamabad’s deteriorating air quality and recurring smog.

She said that inspection teams are conducting regular checks on major roads, intersections, and high-traffic corridors to identify vehicles emitting thick smoke. Offenders may face on-the-spot fines, vehicle impoundment, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

The DG reminded motorists that driving vehicles emitting smoke beyond permissible limits—particularly the dense black fumes from poorly maintained engines—is an environmental crime under federal law.

“Let me be very clear: smoke-emitting vehicles will not be allowed to operate in Islamabad under any circumstances,” she warned. “This is not just a regulatory concern — it is a public health emergency. Vehicular smoke is poisoning the air our children breathe. We will take every lawful measure, including heavy fines and confiscation, to stop this environmental crime.”

She added that the agency’s heightened vigilance follows growing concern over the increasing number of poorly maintained diesel buses, trucks, wagons, Qingqi rickshaws and motorcycles emitting hazardous pollutants harmful to both human health and the environment.

Vehicular emissions remain a major source of outdoor air pollution and heat-trapping carbon emissions in urban centres. The smoke released from vehicles contains harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons, all of which degrade air quality and contribute to smog formation.

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, penetrates deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, stroke and premature death. The World Health Organization has repeatedly stated that air pollution is among the top global environmental health risks, causing millions of premature deaths each year.

Islamabad’s winter months typically bring stagnant air and temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying smog episodes. Vehicular smoke, when combined with dust and industrial pollutants, forms thick layers of toxic air that reduce visibility and trigger respiratory illnesses.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025