Punjab Extends Vehicle Emission Testing Deadline
In Lahore and Punjab, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has extended the deadline for vehicle emission testing from June 30 to August 31, 2025. Increased public participation and challenges to operability have prompted the extension, clearly indicating the government’s resolve to improve air quality and public health through stringent emission standards.
لاہور اور پنجاب میں محکمہ تحفظ ماحولیات پنجاب نے گاڑیوں کے دھوئیں کے ٹیسٹ کی آخری تاریخ 30 جون سے بڑھا کر 31 اگست 2025 کر دی ہے۔ عوامی ردعمل اور عملی چیلنجز کے باعث یہ فیصلہ کیا گیا، جو حکومت کی صاف ہوا اور عوامی صحت کے لیے سنجیدگی کو ظاہر کرتا ہے۔
Punjab Vehicle Emission Testing
Vehicular emissions in Punjab contribute predominantly to air pollution, especially in urban centers like Lahore, where seasonal crises occur of smog and a poor reputation regarding air quality. Exhaust emissions account for over 80% of winter smog. In combating this, a comprehensive vehicle emission testing program was initiated by the Punjab EPA in early 2025, targeting motorcycles, motor cars, and now heavy vehicles.
This testing aims at identifying vehicles that are emitting pollutants more than the permissible limit and enforcing remedies. This initiative is part of a broader environmental strategy to curb smog, improve respiratory health, and comply with international air quality standards. The testing campaign is not merely a regulation but also an environmental necessity to reduce Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), contributing to air pollution and health hazards.
Extension of Punjab Vehicle Emission Testing Deadline
The deadline for mandatory emission testing was originally set for May 30, 2025, extended to June 30, and now postponed to August 31, 2025. Reasons for extending the deadline include. In the last 50 days, over 123,000 vehicles have been tested alone, with many more in line. Forming queues and limited capacity for testing at booths presented end-to-end. Temporary closures due to rain and extreme summer heat made operational continuity difficult. By extending the deadline, the government is looking to ease and safeguard the interests of its citizens by extending free testing up to and including August 31.
Heavy Vehicles in Punjab Vehicle Emission Testing
Heavy motors will be incorporated into the emission testing regime beginning in July 2025. Due to their large engines and fuel consumption, heavy motors produce significant amounts of air pollution. Heavy vehicles without Inspection and Certification System (VICS) certificates will undergo free emission testing through the EPA. There will be a week-long grace period for complying with certificate requirements. This inclusion broadens the scope of emission controls and directly addresses a critical source of pollution, thereby strengthening Punjab’s commitment to comprehensive environmental management.
Vehicle Emission Test Procedure in Punjab
The vehicle emission test procedure in punjab scientifically measures the concentration of key pollutants discharged into the atmosphere from vehicles. It entails the following :
- Vehicle Inspection: Verifying the vehicle documents and eligibility of the vehicle for the testing.
- Emission Measurement: Emissions of the exhaust include measurement of CO, HC, NOx, and PM by special equipment.
- Data Analysis: The results are compared against the permissible emission standards.
- Issuance of Certificate or Warning: Vehicles passing the emission test are given a green sticker as a certificate of compliance. The unsuccessful vehicles are given a warning and a direction to proceed for repair or engine tuning.
- Follow-up Testing: Non-compliant vehicles will have to be retested after corrective measures.
Testing booths work six days a week and are set up in 20 strategic locations throughout Lahore, including Emporium Mall, Liberty Market, and Model Town Park. The booths are manned by trained personnel and equipped with different testing devices to fast-track the testing process.
Effect of Emission Testing on Air Quality Improvements in Punjab
With the start of the emission testing program in Punjab, more than 158,000 vehicles have been tested, with about 4,100 found to be emitting pollutants above acceptable limits. Such vehicles are being warned for corrective measures, which would in turn significantly reduce vehicular pollution.
The strict enforcement of the program thus acknowledges improvements in air quality:
- By the removal or repair of highly polluting vehicles.
- By raising people’s awareness of environmental responsibility, and
- By promoting the uptake of emission control technologies.
Conclusion
The extension of the vehicle emission testing to August 31st, 2025, with the inclusion of heavy vehicles and the continuation of free testing, shows the provincial government’s commitment to combating air pollution. The Punjab vehicle emission test procedures have an emphasis on emission control technologies and strategic operational adjustments, showing strong institutional arrangements for sustainable environmental protection.
