E-tag now required for all vehicles entering Islamabad [Check deadline]

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced that all vehicles entering Islamabad must have an electronic tag (E-tag) within two weeks. Vehicles without the E-tag, including those of local residents, will not be allowed to enter the city after the deadline.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the E-tag will only be issued to vehicles that pass a carbon emission test. This is part of the government’s efforts to fight smog and improve air quality in the capital. Last month, emission testing for all vehicles was made mandatory at certified laboratories.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting discussed measures to reduce air pollution in the city.

Along with vehicle testing, the government plans to convert brick kilns and industries to eco-friendly technologies. Burning of garbage is now completely banned, with strict legal action against violators. Some brick kilns have already been demolished for breaking environmental rules, and the remaining ones are being updated to modern systems.

Experts also suggested planting trees that absorb pollution, running public awareness campaigns, and encouraging carpooling to reduce vehicle emissions. Chairman Randhawa directed all departments to follow strict SOPs and prepare a full strategy to tackle smog in Islamabad.

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