Section 144 imposed in Islamabad to combat air pollution

ISLAMABAD: The Additional District Magistrate imposed section 144 within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), effective immediately for the next two months.

The measure was imposed in attempt to reportedly mitigate the emission of toxic pollutants within the environment, as it impacts the health and well-being of the residents.

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The order specifically targets the emission of harmful gasses from vehicles, factories, kilns and the burning of garbage and agriculture crops.

Section 144 was imposed within Islamabad after alarming levels of poor air quality were recorded in the capital. The ban on the vehicles is intended to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air.

Poor air quality poses risks to children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

Winter season is rife time for smog to increase in Pakistan, as the often dry weather can trap pollutants close to the ground. Lack of proper enforcement to prevent garbage and agricultural burning, along with vehicular emissions has exacerbated the issue.

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The additional district magistrate warned that strict action would be taken against anyone that violated the ban. This includes penalties for vehicles not meeting the emission standards, factories that fail to implement pollution control measures and anyone caught burning garbage or crops.