PAKPATTAN  -  In a decisive effort to combat the grow­ing smog crisis in Punjab, the Pakpat­tan Police, under the directives of Dis­trict Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Walait, have launched an extensive crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles. Over the past weeks, the district police have issued fines totaling Rs. 3 million to 1,553 vehicles for violating emission standards and impounded 182 vehi­cles for various other violations.

Recognizing the severe health and environmental risks posed by smog, the police have intensified their op­erations against vehicles contributing to air pollution. In addition to issu­ing challans and imposing substantial fines, authorities have also taken the stringent step of canceling route permits for non-compliant vehicles. DPO Tariq Walait em­phasized the urgency of the campaign, stating: “Smog is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a serious public health issue affecting millions. Smoke-emitting vehicles are one of the major contributors to this environmental cri­sis. The Pakpattan Police are commit­ted to taking all necessary measures to reduce their impact and safeguard the well-being of our citizens.” The crack­down aligns with the Punjab govern­ment’s broader strategy to mitigate smog, which has been exacerbating respiratory illnesses and reducing air quality across the province. By target­ing vehicles emitting excessive smoke, the police aim to address one of the root causes of this seasonal hazard.

Public response to the initiative has been largely positive, with residents appreciating the police’s proactive approach to tackling an issue that affects the entire community. Local citizens have expressed hope that such measures will lead to a notice­able improvement in air quality and encourage stricter adherence to envi­ronmental regulations. The Pakpattan Police has also urged public to coop­erate by ensuring their vehicles meet emission standards and to report any instances of non-compliance.