Punjab authorities have announced a crackdown on private vehicles emitting excessive smoke as part of efforts to combat smog and curb air pollution. Vehicle owners have been given until October 15, 2026, to have their vehicles inspected and fix any emission or roadworthiness issues. Legal action will be taken against vehicles found emitting excessive smoke after the deadline.
Hassan Ahsan, Secretary of the Punjab Transport Authority, announced that legal action would be taken without discrimination against all smoke-emitting private vehicles from October 15. The initiative is aimed at reducing air pollution and minimising the potential impact of smog across the province. Speaking at a press conference on the smog situation and preparations for the upcoming season, the Transport Secretary said the Transport Department, Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant departments were working together to tackle the issue. He noted that similar coordination among government departments last year had contributed to a significant improvement in the smog situation.
According to officials, the issuance of fitness certificates for commercial vehicles has increased by 18%. Meanwhile, Excise Department records show that approximately 24 million vehicles have been registered in Punjab to date. The Transport Department will also issue special vehicle stickers, valid for one year, to help streamline vehicle fitness inspections and enforcement procedures.
Hassan Ahsan further said traffic police personnel would be deployed in the field during enforcement operations against high-emission vehicles to assist the relevant authorities. Vehicle owners have therefore been advised to address any issues related to vehicle fitness and excessive exhaust emissions before the October 15 deadline to avoid legal action during the crackdown.