ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry officially launched a vehicle emission testing campaign in Islamabad. He began the drive by offering his own car for inspection by the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) using modern testing equipment.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chaudhry said the campaign is part of reforms being carried out in the capital on the instructions of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister. He said that, along with developing world-class infrastructure, efforts are also being made to improve the city’s environment.
The minister noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Islamabad has been rising in recent years and is now approaching 200 — a concerning level. He said this campaign has been launched to reduce pollution from vehicles, which is a major contributor to poor air quality.
He added that modern, international-standard equipment has been arranged for testing vehicles. The Punjab government has also sent a trained team to support the campaign. A permanent testing station will be set up near the old parade ground. Vehicles that pass the inspection will be issued a barcode.
“No vehicle releasing smoke will be allowed to operate in Islamabad,” Mr. Chaudhry warned. “Polluting vehicles will be fined.”
Earlier in the day, the ITA officially started the inspection drive to check carbon monoxide emissions from vehicle exhausts. The campaign is being run in cooperation with the Punjab Environment Protection Department.
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The first phase of the drive focuses on checking government vehicles, starting with the car of ITA Chairman and Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon. Vehicles that pass the test will receive a clearance sticker with a QR code.
Sajid Bashir, Head of Punjab’s Emission Testing System, briefed the media on the testing process, which uses modern equipment. All government vehicles at the Pakistan Secretariat will also be checked.
Vehicles with carbon monoxide emissions up to 6% will be issued a clearance sticker. Those above 6% will receive a warning.
In the next phase, private vehicles will be inspected at bus stands and city checkpoints. ITA Chairman Irfan Memon said that vehicles failing to follow the warning will face action from the authorities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chaudhry said all brick kilns in Islamabad using old methods have been closed. Only those operating with zigzag technology — which causes less pollution — are allowed to run, he added.
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