Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the deadline for vehicle emission testing until August 31, giving motorists extra time to meet environmental standards.
The original deadline of June 30 was pushed back due to an overwhelming reaction at test stalls, according to Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of EPA Punjab. “The expansion is intended to ease the public and ensure a smoother testing process,” he added.
In the last 50 days, over 123,000 vehicles have undergone testing over the province. Among them, it turned out that approx. 2,000 vehicles emitted pollutants in addition to acceptable limits. Owners of these vehicles have been issued warnings and are advised to make necessary repairs or set up their engines to reduce emissions.
Read: Smoke emitting vehicles’ owners got 15 days deadline
Emission testing is a scientific procedure that measures the levels of toxic gases and particles released from vehicle exhaust. Key contaminants assessed during testing include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitric oxides (NOx) and particles (PM). If a vehicle fails the test, the owner is instructed to take corrective actions.
According to DG EPA, vehicles manufactured in 2022 or newer are exempt from testing as they comply with modern euro emission standards and come with built-in emission control technologies.
According to statistics obtained from the Punjab point department, the province has 20 m registered motorcycles and five million four-wheeled vehicles where Lahore alone accounts for 5.2 m motorcycles and 1.3 m four-wheeled vehicles.
EPA has encouraged vehicle owners to use the extended timeline to contribute to cleaner air. Free test stalls have been created across Punjab, including 20 locations in Lahore, where drivers can get their vehicles tested without any additional fee.
This initiative is part of Punjab’s wider strategy for combating air pollution, especially in Lahore and other urban areas, where air quality has become a significant public health concern.
Read more: Govt launches national electric vehicle policy
In a separate development, a few days ago, Pakistan’s government launched the new electric vehicle policy (NEVP) aimed at stimulating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country.
Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesman for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said the policy is designed to ensure a fair and inclusive transition to cleaner mobility. The initiative also seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, encourage local innovation and create new green jobs.
“The government is increasing efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as an important part of the country’s pure energy and climate insurance agenda,” noted Shaikh. As the transport sector is an important contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution, the shift against EVS marks a significant step towards a more sustainable, healthier and financially sustainable future.
NEVP matches the wider strategy for combating air pollution, especially in urban centers such as Lahore, where air quality remains a serious problem.
