Islamabad has restarted its vehicle emission testing campaign as part of a renewed push to improve air quality and reduce the city’s growing pollution problem. Launched by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) in collaboration with the Islamabad police, the initiative resumed on June 12 following the Eidul Azha holidays.

The operation is currently active at two of the capital’s busiest checkpoints: the Mundi police post near Metro Mall and the Faizabad Interchange, both major arteries with heavy daily traffic. These locations were strategically selected due to their high vehicle volumes and emission load.

In just the first two days, inspection teams flagged dozens of vehicles emitting excessive smoke, with most readings falling between 10% and 40%. However, cars and motorcycles crossing the 60% smoke emission threshold were slapped with fines. Official challan tickets were issued on the spot to enforce compliance.

Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zaib Ali stressed that the campaign is not just about penalizing violators, but also about changing public behavior.

“It’s not only about issuing tickets. We want vehicle owners to understand that regular maintenance isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Cleaner engines mean cleaner air,” she said.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the link between unchecked vehicular emissions and worsening respiratory health among city residents, especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Officials say this is only the beginning. More checkpoints will be introduced across Islamabad in the coming weeks, with continued support from traffic police and municipal authorities.

As smog becomes a year-round threat in Pakistan’s urban centers, Islamabad’s latest move signals a stronger commitment to environmental accountability, and cleaner, healthier air for all.