The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has launched a New Action Plan to combat rising air pollution and smog in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The plan aims to control vehicular emissions, modernize transport, and promote cleaner, greener urban living.
Developed under the Ministry of Climate Change, in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, and Islamabad Traffic Police, the New Action Plan outlines both short- and long-term strategies to improve the city’s air quality and public health.
According to ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, vehicular emissions are now among the biggest contributors to Islamabad’s air pollution, second only to industrial sources. He explained that harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons are causing serious health risks, including respiratory and heart diseases.
In the first phase, lasting up to 18 months, Pak-EPA and Islamabad Traffic Police will conduct regular and surprise roadside inspections to enforce the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). Vehicle owners will be required to obtain emission compliance certificates linked to vehicle registration and transfer. Special attention will be given to diesel vehicles, while petrol vehicles will be checked for catalytic converters.
The New Action Plan also introduces strict penalties for open burning of waste, with fines under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act.
The second phase, spread over five years, focuses on transitioning to cleaner fuels and electric mobility. It includes the establishment of EV charging stations, a 10% electric vehicle quota for government fleets, and tax incentives for EV owners. Fuel stations will upgrade to Euro-5 by 2027 and Euro-6 by 2030, while older vehicles will be phased out under a new Vehicle Retirement Policy.
Shaikh noted that the success of the New Action Plan depends on coordination between government agencies and citizens. If fully implemented, Islamabad could become Pakistan’s first city to meet international clean air standards and serve as a model for other regions.
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