Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) has issued 2,331 emission clearance stickers in six days, including 401 in the last 24 hours, as the city strengthens its campaign against smoke-emitting vehicles.
According to the six-day performance report, the ITA completed emission testing for 2,331 vehicles, all of which were issued clearance stickers after meeting required standards. The report also notes that 401 additional vehicles received emission stickers during the last 24 hours, reflecting the ongoing pace of inspections.
The crackdown, aimed at reducing harmful emissions, involves strict checks across various locations. ITA teams stationed at each inspection point are monitoring vehicles throughout the day.
These teams are tasked with verifying compliance and ensuring that only vehicles passing the emission test are cleared for road use.
As part of enforcement measures, authorities have taken action against vehicles found violating emission limits.
Over the six-day period, 14 smoke-emitting vehicles were impounded and shifted to police stations for further legal action. Officials say such steps are essential to address the rising pollution levels recorded during the winter season.
Transport Authority Chairman Irfan Memon stated that teams are working at full capacity to conduct testing at designated points. He added that authorities plan to increase the number of inspection points to provide citizens with timely and easier access to testing services. This expansion is expected to ease congestion at existing points and support a wider coverage of vehicle inspections.
The ITA is also working to maintain consistent monitoring of vehicles on major routes. Mobile squads are deployed to identify non-compliant vehicles, which are immediately stopped and assessed.
Vehicles producing visible smoke are subject to penalties in line with environmental and traffic regulations.
Officials said the coordinated effort is part of a broader strategy to limit air pollution and improve respiratory health for residents.
While the current focus is on emission testing, authorities plan to link these efforts with long-term measures such as awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement during high-pollution days.
The transport authority has advised vehicle owners to ensure timely maintenance of their cars to pass emission tests. Motorists have been encouraged to keep vehicles roadworthy and avoid delays in visiting testing points, especially as inspections continue citywide.
In the coming days, the ITA will continue issuing daily performance updates, tracking the number of vehicles tested, stickers issued and actions taken against violators. Authorities expect the number of inspected vehicles to rise as more inspection points become operational and enforcement becomes more comprehensive.
