After targeting small vehicles, big ones are now in the crosshairs of the Punjab Environment Protection Department and Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The authorities have decided to launch a major crackdown on smoke-emitting trucks and buses to clean up the air in the province. Under the new plan, Safe City cameras will keep a close eye on buses and trucks that belch black smoke. Vehicles without a valid Vehicle Inspection Certificate (commonly known as "VICS") will be served immediate notices. The policy follows a three-strike rule — the first notice will be a warning, the second will bring a fine, and the third will double the fine. If that doesn't fix the issue, the route permit of the offending vehicle will be cancelled altogether. The decision was sealed during a high-level meeting between Managing Director of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Ahsan Younis, and Director General of Environment Protection Department, Imran Hamid Sheikh. Chief Operating Officer of Safe Cities Authority, Mustansar Feroze, and Secretary Environment Punjab, Silwat Saeed, along with PTA Secretary Muhammad Hassan Ahsan, also participated in the meeting. During the event, both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work hand in hand for cleaner air and stricter enforcement. DG Environment Punjab, Imran Hamid Sheikh, emphasized that just like light vehicles, it is now mandatory for buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles to carry a valid VICS certificate. “Cleaning up Punjab’s skies is a shared responsibility, and we all have to play our part,” he said.
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