Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency Ali Ejaz says for the first time in Pakistan's history, a formal "Emission Testing System" (ETS) has been launched in Punjab to test vehicle emissions.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan’s Correspondent Qasim Bukhari, Ali Ejaz said ETS initiative is aimed at combating environmental pollution, particularly smog.

Ali Ejaz said that modern emission testing machines are being used in Lahore to check the smoke emissions from vehicles, and Green Stickers are being issued to compliant vehicles.

He said that under the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards, vehicles are allowed up to 6 percent carbon monoxide emissions and specific noise level limits have also been set.

He stated that the formal launch of this system was carried out by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who placed the first Green Sticker on her vehicle.

Ali Ejaz said that currently, Environmental Protection Agency teams are conducting checks at eight locations in Lahore, and the system will soon be expanded across Punjab.

He said that this system will continue on a voluntary basis until September. However, after the start of the smog season, vehicles without an emission sticker will be stopped, and violators will be fined.

The Deputy Director said that in addition to vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency is also monitoring petrol pumps, industries, wastewater, dust, and construction sites using drones, patrolling, and electronic monitoring systems.