STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION AND SMOG IN ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY
Islamabad :– A stakeholder meeting focused on preventive measures to control air pollution and SMOG in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) was chaired by Ms. Farzana Altaf Shah, Director General, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA). The meeting convened various stakeholders, including representatives from the ICT Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, Excise Department, Federal Directorate of Education, IESCO Environment, general managers of hotels in ICT, and civil society members.
The meeting addressed the critical issue of vehicular emissions contributing to air pollution and SMOG in the region. The Islamabad Administration announced the enforcement of Section 144 for two months to prohibit open burning and the operation of smoke-emitting vehicles within ICT. The Islamabad Transport Authority will work closely with Pak-EPA to ensure that transport vehicles comply with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) before passing inspections. Academic institutions were urged to maintain their transport fleets effectively to help reduce SMOG contributions. Stakeholders were requested to share their research and development programs aimed at combating SMOG emissions and air pollution urgently. A new online application administered by Pak-EPA will be launched to facilitate prompt responses from the Environmental Management Team (EMT) regarding pollution complaints and assist in mitigating SMOG issues.
A hotline number is proposed to ensure quick reactions from Pak-EPA during SMOG episodes. Hotel representatives were encouraged to contribute to public awareness by displaying posters and creating standees about SMOG emissions and regulations regarding single-use plastics. This collaborative effort aims to enhance environmental protection measures in ICT and engage all stakeholders in addressing the pressing challenges posed by air pollution and SMOG. The Pak-EPA remains committed to fostering a sustainable environment through active participation and cooperation among all sectors of society.
