Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has approved an extension for the free vehicle emissions testing service, allowing citizens to benefit from the program until August 31, 2025. The free Emission Testing System (ETS) was originally set to conclude on June 30, after which the government planned to transfer emissions testing responsibilities to private vehicle dealerships across Lahore.

With the new extension, residents will have additional time to get their vehicles tested at no cost. This decision aims to encourage more vehicle owners to participate in emissions testing, thereby contributing to improved air quality in the city.

Earlier, Secretary of the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, Raja Jahangir Anwar, indicated that once the free service ends, ETS operations would be outsourced to authorized dealerships of all vehicle manufacturing companies operating in Lahore. These dealerships will be equipped with ETS machines and trained personnel to conduct the tests, with citizens required to pay Rs. 400 per test at these facilities.

The department emphasized that this strategy is designed to increase the number of vehicles undergoing emissions checks, ultimately enhancing air quality in Lahore. Raja Jahangir Anwar noted that transitioning the service to private dealerships would also improve efficiency and convenience for vehicle owners.