Parliament Proposes Vehicle Fitness Certificates in Islamabad

A parliamentary committee wants to establish a vehicle fitness certification system in Islamabad to address rising air pollution levels. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change emphasized the importance of this initiative, directing the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the chief commissioner’s office to implement a system to regulate emissions from over one million vehicles in the capital.

During the meeting, the committee highlighted that vehicular emissions are one of the primary contributors to Islamabad’s deteriorating air quality. A vehicle fitness certification system would ensure that vehicles meet emission standards, reducing their harmful impact on the environment.

The proposal comes amidst concerns over Islamabad’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which frequently exceeds safe levels, with particulate matter (PM2.5) being identified as a significant pollutant. Such emissions are not only detrimental to the environment but also pose severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The committee stressed the urgency of regulating vehicle emissions to combat air pollution effectively and called for the immediate implementation of a fitness verification system. By ensuring vehicles are environmentally compliant, the system would play a crucial role in reducing pollution and promoting sustainability in the federal capital.