LAHORE: In a major move to provide relief to the citizens of Lahore and tackle air pollution, the Punjab government has significantly expanded the number of vehicle emission testing booths across the city.
According to Director General Environment Punjab Imran Hamid Sheikh, the number of emission testing booths has been increased from just 8 to 60, following a surge in public turnout and heavy traffic volumes at the testing points.
The newly-established booths are now operational at key locations including Gajjumatta, Saggian Toll Plaza, Central Park, Bedian Road, and Valencia Town. Additional booths have been set up at Race Course Park, Marghzar Colony, Minar-e-Pakistan, Allama Iqbal Town, Shahdara Colony, Paragon City, Manawan Training Center, Gymkhana Club, LDA Avenue, Bahria Town, and DHA Raya.
To further facilitate access, emission testing centers have also been established at several educational institutions such as Punjab University, LUMS, Lahore School of Economics, Aitchison College, Forman Christian College (FC College), and Allama Iqbal Medical College.
The green sticker booths will operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. These stickers are being issued to vehicles that meet the environmental emission standards.
The DG EPD stated that the deadline for completing vehicle emission testing is June 30, 2025. He emphasized that the increase in booth numbers is a response to both the overwhelming public participation and the rising summer temperatures.
In addition to the fixed centers, three mobile units have also been deployed to issue green stickers within various government departments, further easing the process for public and private sector employees. This initiative is part of the provincial government's broader environmental reforms aimed at combating smog and improving air quality in the region.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025