By In an urgent move to tackle Lahore’s worsening smog crisis, the Punjab Government has announced a strict deadline of June 30, 2025, for car owners to undergo emission testing. The aim is to curb hazardous smoke emissions from vehicles, a leading contributor to the province’s air pollution problems.
Free Testing Until June 30
To facilitate the residents of Lahore, emissions testing booths have been set up across multiple locations in the city, allowing vehicle owners to test their cars free of cost until the June 30 deadline. After that, testing will be charged, and strict penalties will be imposed on violators whose vehicles fail to meet the environmental standards.
A Growing Crisis: Smog in Lahore
Smog has become a seasonal disaster in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, where Air Quality Index (AQI) readings often hit hazardous levels during the winter months. In the last two years, the crisis has forced the government to shut down schools, markets, and public spaces to protect public health.
While the emission testing initiative is a positive step, experts argue it’s not enough.
Two- and Three-Wheelers Left Out
Media reports reveal that Punjab has over 25 million registered vehicles, with 80% being motorcycles. Yet, neither motorcycles nor three-wheelers (rickshaws) are currently included in the emission testing program. Notably, Lahore alone has over five million motorcycles on its roads.
Suneel Sarfraz Munj, Chairman of PakWheels, has voiced strong criticism of this policy gap. He emphasized that two- and three-wheelers emit a disproportionately high amount of smoke compared to cars and are major contributors to smog.
“Cleaning up car emissions won’t matter much if motorcycles and rickshaws are still polluting unchecked,” said Munj.
Fuel Quality Still Unregulated
Experts also point to another overlooked issue: poor-quality fuel. Munj highlighted the lack of regulation on fuel standards in Pakistan, stating that without addressing fuel quality, emission tests alone will have limited impact.
A Step in the Right Direction
While the car emission testing drive is a welcome move, it’s clear that a more holistic approach is required. This includes:
- Expanding testing to include motorcycles and rickshaws
- Regulating fuel quality across Pakistan
- Investing in cleaner, greener transportation options
The smog issue in Punjab is a public health emergency, not just an environmental one. The success of the emission testing initiative will depend on how comprehensively it is implemented in the coming months.
Final Reminder
Car owners in Punjab must get their vehicle emissions tested by June 30, 2025, to avoid fines and ensure compliance. Visit your nearest emissions testing booth — testing is free until the deadline.
