Islamabad: The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) has intensified its vehicle emission testing campaign across the federal capital. According to a newly released performance report, 1,935 vehicles have been inspected so far under the initiative, with the majority meeting the prescribed emission standards. The campaign, which aims to enforce vehicular emission compliance, is now being extended citywide, with stricter action planned for violators in the upcoming phase.
The ITA report revealed that out of the total vehicles inspected, 1,874 were issued clearance stickers after passing the emission test. However, six vehicles were found to have carbon monoxide emissions exceeding the permissible limit of six percent. These vehicles were issued formal warnings and instructed to rectify their emissions.
In the last 24 hours alone, 213 vehicles were checked, of which 209 passed while four received warnings for non-compliance.
Chairman of the Islamabad Transport Authority, Irfan Nawaz Memon, stated that the campaign is being scaled up across all areas of the city. He emphasized that the effort is part of a broader strategy to address the growing challenge of urban air pollution. “We are committed to expanding these checks citywide,” Memon said, adding that enforcement measures including fines and possible vehicle impoundments will be introduced in the campaign’s second phase.
Memon urged citizens to participate actively by voluntarily presenting their vehicles for inspection. “Emission from vehicles is one of the leading causes of urban air pollution. We will take all necessary steps to prevent this source of pollution in Islamabad,” he stated.
The ITA confirmed that the emission testing involves monitoring exhaust levels, particularly carbon monoxide, which poses significant health and environmental risks. Vehicles that meet the standards receive a clearance sticker, which allows authorities to easily identify compliant cars.
The campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the Islamabad Traffic Police and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure effective enforcement and technical oversight. Inspection points have been established at key city locations, including entry points and main roads, while mobile teams are conducting surprise checks in commercial and high-traffic areas.
The ITA has also announced plans for a public awareness campaign using pamphlets, social media, and radio broadcasts to educate residents about the importance of vehicle maintenance and emission control. Officials reiterated that timely compliance with emission standards is essential and warned that failure to do so may lead to penalties in the near future.
With this multi-agency effort, the Islamabad administration aims to make vehicle emission testing a regular practice and significantly reduce one of the leading sources of urban air pollution, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.
