Vehicle Emission Testing in Islamabad: A Citizen’s Worst Experience Yet (Still Pending)

 

The Reality of Car Emission Testing in Islamabad – 2025

• Vehicle Emission Testing Islamabad

The Vehicle Emission Testing in Islamabad has become a mandatory nightmare for car owners across the Capital Territory. The system — managed under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — is meant to ensure that vehicles pass a smoke emission test and receive a green sticker if compliant.

But here's the truth from a citizen on the ground:

🚨 The process is disorganized, frustrating, and severely under-planned.

Car Emission Test Pakistan 2025 (Timing)

Where & When: Basic Details (That Keep Changing)

• 📍 Current Testing Locations:
• D-Chowk, Islamabad
• Chur Chowk, near Quaid-e-Azam Hospital
• (Location near Metro Mall is NOT functional)

• 🕘 Timings:
  • Official: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Field update: 9 AM to 4 PM
• 📅 Days: Monday to Friday (no weekends)
• ☁️ No testing on rainy days
• 📌 Only Private and Government vehicles are allowed.
• Commercial vehicles (like taxis/loaders) are turned away.

My First Visit: Scorching Heat, Endless Queue, No Result

I visited the D-Chowk Vehicle Testing Center on 28th July 2025, after confirming it was the only working site. I arrived around 1:15 PM, already exhausted by the heat (around 37°C) — only to learn that the system closed before I could even reach the gate, despite being in line for 3.5 hours.

👉 No token system. No assurance. No transparency.

👉 Just public frustration boiling under the sun.

👉 No water, no shade, no humanity.

Day Two: Longer Line, Dead Machine, Broken Spirit

Still committed, I returned the next day, 29th July 2025, at 9:30 AM. The line was even longer, snaking through the Red Zone. After another 3+ hours, the announcement came:

“Machine is down. Come back tomorrow.”

I left. Angry. Helpless. My vehicle emission test is still pending.

Safety, or Simply Suffering?

Why are these camps set up in the Red Zone? Is that even safe for citizens?

And where is the planning, the process, the protocol?

For a system meant to reduce vehicular pollution in Islamabad, it’s ironically increasing mental pollution — stress, anger, and helplessness.

Quick Recommendations (From a Citizen’s Experience)

• ✅ Ensure your vehicle isn’t emitting smoke — change engine oil, clean carburetor, basic tune-up.
• ✅ Carry CNIC, Car Registration, and Driving License (just in case).
• ✅ Arrive before 9 AM.
• ✅ Bring water, snacks, and a folding chair.
• ❌ Don’t go if there’s any sign of rain.
• ❌ Don’t expect service past 4 PM — it ends without warning.

Final Thoughts: Is This Progress?

The Islamabad vehicle emission system has failed to respect its citizens’ time, energy, and dignity. I support eco-friendly policies, but implementation matters more than intention.

Longest line I have ever seen

🚗 Your Turn — Speak Up!

Have you experienced the green sticker testing process in Islamabad?

Is your car emission test also pending?

👇 Share your story in the comments.

📸 Post your experience and tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Let’s bring attention where it’s desperately needed.