Pakistan: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency has intensified efforts to curb rising air pollution and winter smog in the federal capital.

According to Radio Pakistan, extensive inspections of vehicles and industrial units have been launched, non-compliant brick kilns demolished, and new emission-testing stations have been established as part of these efforts.

Data collected by EPA enforcement team says over 1,000 diesel-powered vehicles have been inspected at major entry points to Islamabad in joint operations with the Islamabad Traffic Police since the anti-smoke drive was launched on Monday.

Over 300 challans have been issued and more than 80 vehicles impounded for violating National Environmental Quality Standards related to emissions and noise.

Four new Emission Testing Stations have been set up at D-Chowk, Lake View Park, Metro Cash and Carry, and F-9 Park, where vehicle owners receive compliance certificates after inspection.

All 30 brick kilns operating in the capital have been shifted to environment-friendly zigzag technology, while three non-compliant kilns were demolished.

The EPA has also planned to expand the air quality monitoring network, enhancing the agency’s technical capacity, coordinating with provincial EPAs to address cross-border smog sources, and undertaking extensive tree plantation campaigns.

In the long term, the Agency also plans to implement the Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, introduce an old-vehicle retirement mechanism, ensure wider availability of clean fuels, and enforce the National Clean Air Policy 2023 to achieve sustained improvements in air quality.