ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar has emphasised the urgent need for a robust policy enforcement to tackle vehicular emissions, a signiHcant contributor to the country`s worsening smog problem.

Smog, now a pressing public health hazard, disrupted lives, economic activity, and transportation while causing severe health issues.

Chairing the 10th meeting of the National Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee at the ministry, Mr Tarar stressed the need for immediate actions to curb smog and air pollution. He said coordinated efforts among government bodies were essential to address the environmental crisis.

Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, briefed the meeting on the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy 2021. She outlined progress on renewable energy projects and the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2019, both designed toreduce the country`s carbon footprint.

The participants were informed that significant strides had been made in expanding solar, wind, and hydropower projects, aligning with Pakistan`s goal of achieving a 30 per cent renewable energy share in its energy mix by 2030.

Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in accelerating these initiatives.

She also detailed the growing adoption of EVs, particularly twoand three-wheelers, supported by government incentives such as tax exemptions and reduced customs duties.

These measures aimed to reduce transport-sector emissions and promote a cleaner, sustainable future.

Representatives from federal and provincial agencies, including the ministries of industries and energy, and the National Highways and Motorway Police endorsed the adoption of mandatory vehicle emission standards. They agreed on enforcing Euro-5 or higher standards through stricter compliance monitoring and regular vehicle inspections.

The minister stressed the importance of nationwide enforcementof stringent emissions standards.

`Ensuring conformity with Euro-5 standards is critical to improving air quality and tackling the recurring smog problem,` he said.

Imran Ahmed, Director General (Oil) at the Ministry of Energy, said 60pc of Pakistan`s fuel consumption still relied on substandard Euro-2 and Euro-3 fuel.

This contributes significantly to sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, especially from diesel vehicles.

Upgrading local fuel refineries to align with regional standards is crucial to mitigate this issue.

The meeting also reviewed government initiatives under the National EV Policy 2019, which included incentives for EV adoption and the development of EV-based mass transit systems.

The minister urged swift approval of the new energy policy to facilitate nationwide promotion of EVs and hybrid vehicles, including mass transit fieets.

The meeting observed that by prioritizing EV adoption, renewable energy projects, and stricter emission standards, Pakistan aimed to address urban air pollution and mitigate the adverse effects of smog.