LAHORE: In a move to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air across cities, the Punjab Environment Protection Department has extended the deadline for free vehicle emission testing till August 31, 2025.
This free emission testing campaign was earlier set to end on June 30, but due to high public turnout and growing awareness about vehicle pollution, the department decided to give citizens more time. The announcement was made by Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, who encouraged vehicle owners to benefit from this extended facility.
During the last 50 days, over 123,000 vehicles were tested for emissions across Punjab. Out of these, around 2,000 vehicles were found releasing smoke or hazardous gases beyond the legal limits. The owners of such vehicles have been warned and advised to get their vehicles repaired or engines tuned to meet environmental standards.
Emission testing is a scientific process used to check the levels of harmful gases released from vehicle exhausts. These include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter—all of which contribute to urban air pollution and pose serious health risks.
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Vehicles that fail the test are not penalised immediately but are guided to fix the issue. However, the DG clarified that new vehicles manufactured from 2022 onwards are currently exempt from testing, as they meet Euro emission standards and come equipped with built-in pollution control technology.
The Environment Department has appealed to citizens to take part in this free campaign by getting their vehicles tested before the deadline. Across Punjab, dozens of emission testing booths have been set up, including 20 locations in Lahore, offering the service free of charge.
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