Punjab Announces Crackdown on Non-Compliant Vehicles
The government of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, has announced that all vehicles without a valid green sticker or Exhaust Testing Certificate (ETS) will be banned from the roads starting November 15, 2025. The move is part of a broader effort to curb rising air pollution and combat the worsening smog crisis that grips the region each winter.
According to a statement from the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), vehicles found operating without the required certification will be seized by authorities. The campaign aims to enforce environmental standards and ensure that all vehicles meet prescribed emission levels.
No Compromise on Air Quality, Says EPA Chief
Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, the Director General of the EPA Punjab, stated that the new regulations would apply across the entire province, including the capital Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities.
He explained that the ETS has been made mandatory for all vehicle owners, regardless of vehicle type. After November 15, only vehicles that comply with Punjab’s environmental standards will be allowed on the roads, Dr. Sheikh said.
The EPA has already begun stringent inspections and initiated legal action against vehicles found emitting excessive smoke. This campaign is not meant to punish citizens, he added, but to protect public health and the environment.
Campaign to Expand Beyond Lahore
Officials confirmed that the campaign began in Lahore, where smog levels typically reach hazardous levels between October and January, severely reducing visibility and worsening respiratory illnesses. The drive will soon be expanded to other districts, including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi.
According to environmental experts, transport emissions are a major contributor to air pollution in Punjab. A 2024 report by Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change estimated that over 40% of Lahore’s air pollution comes from vehicular emissions.
Public Urged to Get Vehicles Tested
Dr. Sheikh urged all citizens to complete exhaust testing as soon as possible to avoid penalties. We appeal to vehicle owners to cooperate, he said, so they can avoid legal action and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Citizens can obtain the green sticker after their vehicles pass the ETS inspection, confirming that emission levels are within safe limits. Vehicles that fail the test will be required to undergo maintenance or repair before reapplying for certification.
Tackling the Smog Challenge
Punjab’s new enforcement plan comes as air quality in Lahore continues to deteriorate. In recent years, the city has frequently topped the global air pollution index, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings often exceeding 300, a level considered hazardous by the World Health Organization.
Authorities hope the vehicle crackdown, alongside other anti-smog measures—such as restrictions on brick kilns and crop burning—will help improve air quality and reduce health risks for millions of residents.
