Alarming vehicle threaten public health in Islamabad, Warns Pak-EPA
ISLAMABAD: (Khawar Abbas Shah) A recent report by the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has highlighted a growing environmental and public health crisis, as several Pakistani cities continue to rank among the most polluted globally.
The findings, emerging from a week-long enforcement drive in Islamabad, reveal that 20 percent of the 100 heavy transport vehicles tested failed to meet the permissible National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). In other words, roughly one in every five vehicles on the road is non-compliant — a figure that raises serious concerns about both public safety and environmental sustainability.
The situation is exacerbated by an aging fleet of diesel trucks, long-haul trailers, loaders, and passenger buses, which dominate the transport sector not only in Islamabad but across the country. Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Deputy Director (Labs/NEQS) at Pak-EPA and head of the enforcement operation, emphasized that the primary issue lies in the smoke opacity levels of these vehicles, which are significantly higher than acceptable limits.
High smoke opacity indicates incomplete fuel combustion, releasing fine particulate matter that is closely linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children and the elderly. Dr. Abbas pointed out that the findings reflect systemic neglect in vehicle maintenance and environmental responsibility. The presence of non-compliant vehicles in both public and private sector fleets suggests that this is not simply a matter of individual negligence but indicative of a broader institutional disregard for environmental standards.
In response, the report calls for an urgent review of the existing vehicle fitness certification system. It recommends aligning motor vehicle exhaust and noise standards with NEQS, ensuring uniform compliance across all inspection stations and automobile workshops.
Public awareness campaigns are also highlighted as a key strategy to foster responsible vehicle maintenance and environmental compliance among owners. Experts stress that tackling vehicular emissions — a major contributor to wintertime smog in Punjab’s urban centers — requires stricter enforcement combined with a comprehensive environmental strategy. This strategy should include urban planning, industrial emissions control, waste management, and the expansion of green spaces.
The Pak-EPA report serves as a wake-up call at a time when air pollution poses an escalating threat to public health in many Pakistani cities. Acting on its recommendations could pave the way toward cleaner, healthier urban environments. Coordinated efforts by government, industry, and the public are essential to combat air pollution and safeguard the nation’s environmental future.
