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EDITORIAL: A recent report by the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has arrived at a critical time, as many of our cities continue to rank among the most polluted in the world. Findings 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), meaning roughly one in every five vehicles is non-compliant. This alarming figure raises serious concerns about public health and environmental safety. The situation is worsened 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. According to Dr Zaigham Abbas, Deputy Director (Labs/NEQS) at Pak-EPA and head of the enforcement operation, the key issue lies in the smoke opacity levels of these vehicles, recorded well above acceptable thresholds. This suggests incomplete fuel combustion, leading to excessive smoke and the release of fine particulate matter — pollutants closely linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children and the elderly. The Pak-EPA official further noted that the report exposes a systemic neglect of vehicle maintenance and environmental responsibility. The fact that non-compliant vehicles were found in both public and private sector fleets underscores that this is not merely a case of individual negligence but reflects a broader institutional disregard for environmental standards. In light of these findings, the report calls for an urgent review of the existing vehicle fitness certification system. It recommends that authorities in the federal capital align motor vehicle exhaust and noise standards with NEQS, ensuring uniform compliance at all inspection stations and automobile workshops. Additionally, public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and environmental compliance could help foster a culture of responsibility among vehicle owners. To effectively tackle vehicular emissions — a major contributor to wintertime smog choking Punjab’s urban centres — stricter enforcement must be integrated into a comprehensive environmental strategy that also addresses urban planning, industrial emissions, waste management, and the expansion of green spaces. The Pak-EPA report should serve as a wake-up call at a time when air pollution poses a growing threat to public health in many Pakistani cities. Acting on its findings and implementing its recommendations could pave the way toward a cleaner, healthier urban environment. It is essential that government, industry, and the public work together in a sustained effort to combat air pollution and protect the nation’s environmental future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
