The Government of Punjab has officially introduced an advanced Emission Test System (ETS) in Lahore, marking a pivotal step in its ongoing efforts to mitigate vehicular pollution and improve urban air quality management. This initiative, currently operational in Lahore with plans for province-wide implementation, aims to systematically regulate and monitor vehicular emissions in accordance with the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).
To gain deeper insights into this program, our correspondent Zainab engaged with senior regulatory officials overseeing the ETS rollout. It is important to note that this initiative is not a newly established policy but an amendment to the existing Punjab Environmental Protection Act, strategically enhanced to address the escalating issue of urban smog, particularly during the winter months.
Recent environmental impact assessments indicate that over 80% of urban air pollution in Punjab originates from vehicular emissions. Historically, regulatory oversight primarily targeted commercial transport vehicles via the Transport and Traffic Police, which covered only a limited segment of total emissions. Recognizing the broader environmental footprint, the ETS has now been extended to include private vehicles, motorbikes and rickshaws collectively identified as significant contributors to deteriorating air quality.
Under the new framework, small four-wheelers and two-wheelers undergo emissions testing at officially designated booths. Vehicles exceeding permissible limits set by the NEQS are issued a compliance notice, with owners granted a 7-day rectification period to perform necessary maintenance, such as engine tuning or catalytic converter servicing, before undergoing a retest. Compliant vehicles are issued a Green Emission Compliance Certificate.
Lahore alone accounts for approximately 2 million private vehicles, 4.5 million motorbikes, and 0.5–0.6 million commercial buses and trucks. Despite the higher per-unit emissions of heavy vehicles, the overwhelming number of smaller vehicles significantly amplifies their collective pollution impact.
Currently, emission testing services are operational at eight strategically located booths across Lahore:
- Mall Road, Istanbul Chowk, Town Hall Parking
- Lake City, Al-Kabir Town, Raiwind Road
- Kahna, Patwaar Khana, LDA Road, Gajumata
- DHA, Packages Mall
- Gulberg, Liberty Gol Chakar
- Johar Town, Emporium Mall
- Wapda Town, Evercare Hospital
- Bahria Town
Operational hours:
Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Bahria Town: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Encouragingly, early testing data indicates a 90% compliance rate, with the majority of non-compliant cases attributed to vehicles over 15–20 years old. In most instances, minor mechanical adjustments, rather than major repairs, restore emission levels within NEQS thresholds.
At present, this service is provided free of charge as part of a public outreach initiative, with a fee structure expected to be introduced in the near future. Additionally, recognizing the high vehicle density in Lahore, the government has extended the voluntary compliance deadline to 30th June. Post-deadline, non-compliant vehicles will be subject to monetary penalties:
PKR 2,000 for the first violation
PKR 5,000 for subsequent offense
A single test requires approximately 5 minutes per vehicle, with a processing capacity of 700–800 vehicles per day at each location.
The Punjab Government urges vehicle owners to incorporate emission testing into their routine vehicle maintenance practices, share their experiences on social media platforms and community networks and contribute actively to this smog control and air quality enhancement initiative.
The Emission Test System represents a transformative measure in vehicular emissions management and underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and public health protection.