Islamabad Launches Clean Air Plan to Control Vehicle Emissions

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), under the Ministry of Climate Change, has launched a new Action Plan for Vehicular Emission Control in Islamabad to tackle worsening air pollution and smog levels in the capital.

Developed in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, and Traffic Police, the plan sets both short-term and long-term measures to reduce pollution, modernize transport, and promote cleaner air.

“This ambitious plan gives Islamabad a clear roadmap toward cleaner and healthier air,” said Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, emphasizing that the initiative focuses on enforcement, innovation, and public awareness for long-term impact.

Short-Term Measures (0–18 Months)

Long-Term Measures (18–60 Months)

Shaikh noted that vehicular emissions are now the second-largest contributor to air pollution in Islamabad, after industrial sources. He highlighted that harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter pose severe risks to respiratory and heart health.

“If implemented effectively, Islamabad can become the first Pakistani city to align its transport emissions policy with global standards,” he added, calling it a model for sustainable urban living.

Air pollution in Islamabad has surged in recent years due to rapid urbanization and an aging vehicle fleet. The new plan aims to bring the capital in line with global clean air benchmarks and set an example for other major Pakistani cities.