LAHORE: Punjab authorities will launch a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting private vehicles from October 15, 2026, as part of preparations to control air pollution ahead of the upcoming smog season.
Punjab Transport Authority Secretary Hassan Ahsan announced the measure while addressing a press conference on the province’s smog-control preparations. He said the Transport Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant institutions had been working jointly to reduce air pollution, with coordinated efforts contributing to improvements in the smog situation last year.
The secretary said authorities had also strengthened the vehicle fitness regime, resulting in an 18% increase in commercial vehicle fitness certifications. The initiative is intended to ensure that vehicles operating on Punjab’s roads meet required environmental and safety standards.
According to Hassan Ahsan, around 24 million vehicles are registered with the Excise Department. As part of the monitoring and compliance system, the department will issue vehicle stickers valid for one year.
He said action against vehicles found violating environmental regulations would be conducted in coordination with the traffic police, allowing enforcement agencies to identify and take action against vehicles contributing to air pollution.
Vehicular emissions are a major concern during Punjab’s annual smog season, when stagnant atmospheric conditions can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants and deteriorating air quality, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
The planned crackdown is therefore aimed at reducing emissions from vehicles and strengthening compliance with environmental standards before pollution levels begin to rise during the 2026 smog season.
Authorities’ focus on vehicle fitness, emissions monitoring and inter-agency enforcement also highlights the importance of preventive action in tackling recurring air-quality problems and protecting public health.
