Smog Crackdown in Islamabad: Pak-EPA Seizes 80 Vehicles After 1,000 Inspections
Carr.pk
Islamabad —The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has significantly intensified its anti-smog drive in the federal capital, reporting significant enforcement results since the campaign began on December 1.
The operation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, ITP, and CDA, aims to curb emissions, with the transport sector being the most significant contributor to smog.
Key Actions and Results:
- Vehicle Enforcement: Over 1,000 vehicles were inspected, and more than 80 were seized for violating emission standards.
- Testing Infrastructure: Four new emission-testing stations have been established across the city (D-Chowk, Lake View Park, Metro Cash & Carry, and F-9 Park).
- Industrial Compliance: A “zero-tolerance approach” is also targeting industrial polluters:
- All 30 Islamabad brick kilns have adopted environment-friendly zigzag technology; three non-compliant kilns were demolished.
- Checks are underway on marble and steel units, with three marble factories already sealed.
Pak-EPA officials stated that violators are being penalized without exception as part of a multi-tier strategy. Long-term efforts include implementing the Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 and the National Clean Air Policy 2023. Authorities also urged public cooperation, stressing the need to reduce travel and avoid open burning of waste.
