Islamabad has enforced a strict ban on vehicles operating without a valid Emission Clearance Certificate, as the city ramps up measures to control rising air pollution and improve its deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI).
The crackdown follows growing concerns over hazardous smog levels in the capital. In recent weeks, authorities have been under pressure to curb vehicular emissions one of the major contributors to poor air quality. As part of this effort, the Islamabad Transport Authority set up inspection checkpoints across major roads to examine vehicles for emissions and overall roadworthiness.
In the latest 24-hour operation, officials inspected 63 vehicles. Of these, 23 were fined for violating emission standards, while 9 were impounded and shifted to police stations for further action. Authorities confirmed that no vehicle private or commercial will be allowed on the road without an official Vehicular Emission Clearance Certificate.
Chairman Irfan Memon emphasized the severity of the issue, saying,
“Smoke-emitting vehicles cannot be tolerated under any circumstances due to their harmful environmental impact.”
He directed teams to submit daily performance reports to ensure transparency and uninterrupted enforcement.
The Transport Authority reiterated that the crackdown will continue daily without discrimination, as safeguarding air quality has become a top priority for the city administration.