The federal government has imposed a ban on smoke-emitting vehicles from entering Islamabad to curb air pollution in the capital city.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry launched the Vehicle Emission Testing Campaign that aims to improve the deteriorating air quality in the federal capital. Chaudhary also announced the new measure to ban the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles in Islamabad as part of a broader policy action to preserve air and improve its quality.

At the launch, Talal Chaudhary stepped up to present his own vehicle for inspecting the use of modern equipment. Minister announced that the initiative has been taken to ensure the global standards of environmental and air quality in the federal capital under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Chaudhary told the reporters that the air quality index of Islamabad had reached to dangerous level, climbing up to 200. “We are taking corrective measures to address this,” he said.

He further revealed that the campaign will start by inspecting the government-owned vehicles, starting from the residence of Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Memon. He also announced the establishment ofa permanent testing system near Old Parade Ground, where vehicles will be tested using internationally certified equipment. Vehicles that pass will be marked with a barcode.

“No smoke-emitting vehicle will be allowed to enter Islamabad,” he emphasised. “Polluting vehicles will be fined, and we’re starting with our own government fleet to set an example.”

He also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for sending trained support teams and advanced equipment to assist in the testing operations.