KEY POINTS
- Diesel trucks, trailers, loaders, and passenger buses as the main offenders
- Non-compliance is mainly due to poor engine maintenance, aging vehicles, and substandard fuel
- Pak-EPA urges a review of vehicle fitness certifications, regular emission monitoring drives, and stronger public awareness campaigns
ISLAMABAD: Nearly one in every five heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) operating in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, is violating national emission standards, according to a new report by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA).
The findings highlight the growing threat of vehicular pollution to Islamabad’s air quality and public health.
The report, titled “Consolidated Report on Vehicular Emission Monitoring and NEQS Compliance within Islamabad Capital Territory”, was released on Sunday and emphasises the increasing challenge of air pollution driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial activity, and a rising number of vehicles on city roads.
Based on a week-long enforcement drive that concluded on October 30, the report identified aging diesel trucks, long-haul trailers, loaders, and diesel-powered passenger buses as the main offenders.
These vehicles were found to be emitting pollutants well above the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) limits, primarily due to poor engine maintenance and the use of substandard fuel, said Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, in a statement on Sunday.
“Emissions from aging diesel-fueled heavy vehicles are a major contributor to smog formation and respiratory illnesses in Islamabad,” Mr. Saleem Shaikh warned.
Sharing the report’s findings, Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Deputy Director (Labs/NEQS) at Pak-EPA, said that emission testing conducted at multiple locations across Islamabad revealed alarming levels of non-compliance among heavy transport vehicles.
“Our analysis shows that 20 percent of the 100 heavy transport vehicles tested—roughly one in five—fail to meet the permissible NEQS limits,” he noted, emphasising that the results underscore the urgent need for stricter maintenance and more frequent monitoring of diesel-powered vehicles operating in the capital to safeguard both public health and the environment.
“Non-compliance was primarily due to poor engine condition, inadequate maintenance, and the use of low-quality fuel,” said Dr. Abbas.
“The smoke opacity levels in these vehicles were well above acceptable thresholds, indicating incomplete fuel combustion, which remains a key cause of fine particulate emissions.”
According to Pak-EPA officials, fines were imposed on 21 violators, while three vehicles were impounded for severe non-compliance. Owners of the offending vehicles were directed to undertake immediate engine maintenance to bring their vehicles in line with environmental standards.
The report has also recommended a comprehensive review of the current vehicle fitness certification system, urging federal authorities concerned to align their standards with NEQS for motor vehicle exhaust and noise, ensuring uniform compliance across inspection stations and automobile workshops.
Reaffirming Pak-EPA’s commitment to curbing vehicular pollution, DG Nazia Zeb Ali said that similar emission monitoring drives would be conducted regularly.
She added that public awareness initiatives and coordination with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) would be strengthened to promote roadworthy and environmentally responsible transport operations.
“Clean air is a fundamental right and it cannot be achieved as long as we all stakeholders work hand in hand to achieve the ambitious goal ‘clean air quality for all’,” Ms. Ali said.
“Ensuring compliance with environmental standards is not just a regulatory duty. In fact, it is essential for protecting public health and preserving Islamabad’s ecological integrity.”
