Lahore: In a major development to control Lahore’s air pollution, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a major breakthrough. It has been decided to include heavy vehicles in the vehicle emission testing campaign underway in the city from this week, with the aim of further intensifying the fight against smog. The campaign, which was launched for motorcycles and cars in May 2025, is now expanding its scope.
So far, 158,000 vehicles have been inspected, out of which surprisingly only 4,100 vehicles failed to meet the environmental standards. Providing convenience to the public, the EPA has extended the last date for this free testing to August 31, after which these tests will be conducted with a fee. To make the campaign more effective, the number of testing booths has been reduced from 26 to 20, with a three-member team and modern testing equipment at each booth. This move follows the closure of booths that had become inactive due to space or other practical issues, causing difficulties for citizens and agency staff.
Officials say the decision has been taken in view of Lahore’s deteriorating air quality, the main reason for which, according to experts, is vehicle exhaust. Reports suggest that 83 percent of winter smog in Lahore is caused by vehicle emissions. It may be recalled that in the next phase of the campaign, EPA teams will specifically monitor heavy vehicles that do not have a valid Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) certificate. Such vehicles will be given a week to obtain the required document. This is a step that can play a key role in taking Lahore towards cleaner air.
