ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Sunday unveiled a Vehicular Emission Control Action Plan (Vecap) for the Islamabad Capital Territory to curb worsening air pollution and smog.

Announcing the plan, Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, media spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said the strategy combines strict enforcement measures with a long-term transition to cleaner fuels and electric mobility.

Developed in coordination with the ICT administration, Islamabad Transport Authority and Traffic Police, the plan provides a roadmap to regulate exhaust emissions, modernise transport and improve urban air quality.

Mr Shaikh said vehicular emissions have become one of the largest contributors to Islamabad’s deteriorating air quality, releasing toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM 2.5).

“This action plan moves beyond short-term fixes. It sets a structured framework that integrates enforcement, innovation, and public awareness for a healthier Islamabad,” he said.

Under the short-term phase (0–18 months), Pak-EPA and the Traffic Police will carry out strict roadside checks to ensure compliance with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).

All government transport fleets must meet 100 per cent compliance targets, while third-party emission testing will be introduced for private and commercial vehicles.

Mandatory emission compliance certificates will be linked to vehicle registration and transfer processes.

Public awareness campaigns through television, radio, and digital platforms will promote vehicle maintenance and discourage the use of smoke-emitting vehicles.

During a recent drive, 215 vehicles were fined and 32 impounded for violating emission limits.

The long-term phase (18–60 months) aims to promote electric vehicles and cleaner fuels under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Programme (EVPP).

The plan includes developing EV charging infrastructure across the city, introducing a 10 per cent EV quota for government fleets, providing tax incentives, and establishing dedicated EV lanes.

By 2027, all fuel stations will switch to Euro-5 standards, progressing to Euro-6 by 2030. A Vehicle Retirement Policy will gradually phase out high-emission vehicles over 10–15 years old, offering incentives and mandatory fitness tests for older cars.

“The goal is to make Islamabad a model city for clean and climate-smart transport,” Mr Shaikh said, emphasising that success will depend on inter-agency coordination and public cooperation. “Cleaner air is achievable only when citizens, institutions, and policymakers work together for a sustainable future.”

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2025