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ISLAMABAD, Nov 02 (APP): Nearly one in every five heavy transport vehicles operating in Islamabad is violating national emission standards, a new study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has revealed on Sunday.
The report “Consolidated Report on Vehicular Emission Monitoring and NEQS Compliance within Islamabad Capital Territory” — highlights growing air pollution concerns in the capital, driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial activity and an expanding vehicle fleet.
According to the findings, shared with APP says 20 per cent of 100 heavy transport vehicles tested — including diesel trucks, long-haul trailers, loaders and passenger buses — failed to meet the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for exhaust emissions. The violations were largely attributed to poor engine maintenance and the use of substandard fuel.
“Emissions from ageing diesel-fuelled heavy vehicles are a major contributor to smog formation and respiratory illnesses in Islamabad,” said Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
Talking to APP, he said a week-long enforcement campaign, concluded on 30 October, was supervised by Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zeb Ali, with field teams led by Deputy Directors Dr Zaigham Abbas and Baniyameen.
Inspections focused on smoke opacity levels — a key indicator of particulate pollution caused by incomplete combustion.
Dr Abbas described the results as “alarming”, noting that the level of non-compliance points to a systemic lack of maintenance and accountability.
“Non-compliance was primarily due to poor engine condition, inadequate maintenance and the use of low-quality fuel,” he said. “The findings underscore the need for stricter monitoring and more frequent inspections of diesel-powered vehicles.”
Pak-EPA said fines were issued to 21 violators, while three vehicles were impounded for severe breaches. Owners were instructed to carry out immediate repairs to meet NEQS limits. Officials also revealed that several non-compliant vehicles belonged to both public and private sector organisations.
Shaikh warned that vehicular emissions remain among the leading contributors to Islamabad’s declining air quality, with diesel-powered transport identified as a major source of black carbon and fine particulate matter.
“These emissions pose serious risks to human health and the environment,” he said, adding that cleaner transport practices were vital to protect citizens’ well-being.
The agency has urged a review of Pakistan’s vehicle fitness certification system, calling for alignment with NEQS standards to ensure consistent enforcement across inspection centres and workshops.
DG Nazia Zeb Ali reaffirmed Pak-EPA’s commitment to improving air quality, announcing that similar monitoring drives would be carried out regularly.
She said the agency would also work with the Islamabad Traffic Police to promote eco-friendly and roadworthy transport.
“Clean air is a fundamental right,” Ali stated. “Ensuring compliance with environmental standards is essential to safeguard public health and preserve Islamabad’s ecological integrity.”