LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an intensified crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles and placing heavy vehicles, trucks, buses, SUVs and diesel-powered transport at the centre of its pre-smog enforcement strategy. According to EPA enforcement data, 1, 745 vehicle challans were issued and 621 vehicles were impounded in Lahore between May 1 and Aug 31, 2026, while fines amounting to Rs4. 483 million were imposed for violations of environmental standards. The agency says these figures form part of its continuing pre-smog preparedness and that enforcement against vehicular emissions will be significantly strengthened in the days ahead. The focus is particularly on heavy vehicles, trucks, buses and large diesel-powered vehicles because poorly maintained engines and exhaust systems can release excessive smoke and contribute to deteriorating air quality in densely populated areas. EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir said the department was accelerating its field operations ahead of the smog season and that vehicle emission control was being treated as a priority under the province’s pre-smog arrangements. He said vehicles found emitting smoke beyond the prescribed environmental limits were being proceeded against under the relevant laws, while the agency was increasing inspections at locations where heavy traffic and commercial transport were concentrated. He urged owners of heavy vehicles, buses, trucks and diesel-powered vehicles to have their engines and exhaust systems properly maintained and ensures that their vehicles had valid fitness certification before operating on major urban routes. The EPA is now preparing for a further tightening of enforcement at city entry points. Officials said vehicles without valid fitness certification and vehicles found emitting excessive smoke would face action, with the objective of preventing unfit and highly polluting vehicles from entering major urban centres. The coming days are expected to see greater deployment of environmental teams at major entry and exit points, where heavy vehicles will be subjected to closer scrutiny. The measure is part of a preventive approach designed to intercept major pollution sources before they enter already congested urban areas. The enforcement drive will also be supported through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s camera network, with officials working to utilise Safe City surveillance for identification and monitoring of Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs). Camera assistance will help enforcement teams identify vehicles requiring further inspection and support action against non-compliant heavy vehicles. The use of technology is expected to strengthen monitoring of major routes and entry points and improve the ability of field teams to track and act against vehicles violating prescribed environmental requirements. DG EPA Punjab Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh has issued strict directions to field officers to intensify enforcement against smoke-emitting vehicles as an essential part of the province’s pre-smog preparations. He has directed teams to maintain regular surveillance on major routes and ensure that environmental violations are dealt with promptly and without discrimination. He has also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the EPA, district administrations, traffic authorities, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and other relevant departments. According to the directions, vehicular emission control cannot be treated as an isolated environmental exercise and must form part of a coordinated pre-smog response involving all departments responsible for traffic management, enforcement and public health protection. The DG has directed field formations to identify pollution hotspots, increase roadside inspections and ensure that enforcement activity is sustained throughout the pre-smog period rather than being limited to the peak smog months. Secretary Environment Protection and Climate Change Department Silwat Saeed has also emphasised the importance of completing pre-smog preparations before air quality begins to deteriorate. The department’s approach is focused on prevention, early intervention and coordinated action against major sources of pollution. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Smoke-emitting heavy vehicles: EPA Punjab intensifies crackdown
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