The Punjab government has launched a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles as part of its intensified efforts to tackle worsening smog and environmental pollution. Authorities say the campaign will target unfit vehicles that release excessive emissions and contribute heavily to deteriorating air quality across major cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, which are already struggling with hazardous smog levels during the winter season.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Police Punjab, Muhammad Waqas Nazir, directed all Chief Traffic Officers (CTOs) and District Traffic Officers (DTOs) to implement strict measures against violators. He emphasized that vehicles failing to meet environmental standards will not be allowed to enter highways and that no leniency will be given to owners of unfit or poorly maintained vehicles. The DIG further instructed officers to thoroughly check route permits and fitness certificates to ensure compliance, adding that the drive would also focus on heavy trucks and carriers transporting sand or mud without tarpaulin covers, which cause dust pollution and worsen air quality.
Officials have expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in vehicular emissions. According to DIG Nazir, the number of vehicles contributing to smog has increased by 240 percent this year, highlighting the urgency of immediate enforcement action. He warned that unchecked emissions not only fuel smog but also pose severe risks to public health, particularly respiratory diseases that spike during winter months when air quality further deteriorates. By addressing vehicular pollution, the government hopes to minimize environmental hazards and reduce the burden of smog-related illnesses across Punjab.
The crackdown comes as Punjab faces mounting pressure to implement long-term solutions for air pollution. Over the past few years, the province has experienced repeated episodes of extreme smog, forcing schools to close, disrupting travel, and drawing criticism from environmental watchdogs. While efforts such as introducing Euro-5 fuel standards and encouraging hybrid and electric vehicles are underway, authorities believe that strict enforcement against polluting vehicles is a vital first step in curbing emissions. The campaign is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as traffic police increase inspections and broaden their checks on major routes across the province.
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