Lahore Traffic Police Cracks Down on 11,000+ Smoke-Emitting Vehicles Amid Worsening Smog

Lahore Traffic Police have intensified their campaign against air pollution, issuing challan tickets to 11,871 vehicles found emitting excessive smoke as the city grapples with deteriorating smog conditions. Chief Traffic Officer Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi announced the figures, highlighting a broader enforcement drive targeting multiple sources of vehicular pollution.

Beyond smoke-emitting vehicles, authorities took action against 7,919 vehicles transporting sand, soil and other polluting materials without tarpaulin covers. The crackdown also extended to 25,833 vehicles operating without fitness certificates or in poor mechanical condition, while a further 253,286 vehicles were penalised for overloading.

Shirazi said the traffic police are suspending the driving licences of drivers operating highly polluting vehicles and may also revoke the route permits of commercial vehicles found repeatedly in violation. He added that artificial intelligence is being deployed to help identify smoke-emitting vehicles on the city's roads, allowing for more targeted enforcement.

In a parallel effort, Lahore Police have arrested 67 suspects and registered 40 cases this year for violating environmental laws and engaging in activities that contribute to smog. A police spokesperson said officers are taking action against polluting factories, vehicles, barbecue points and other sources of environmental pollution.

The enforcement drive comes as Lahore continues to face some of the worst air quality in the country during the winter smog season, with vehicular emissions, industrial activity and crop burning among the major contributing factors. Authorities have pledged to sustain the crackdown as part of broader efforts to improve air quality in the provincial capital.