Key Takeaways
- Government of Punjab blames motorcycles for smog despite data inconsistencies.
- Official figures on motorcycle numbers vary widely, raising doubts about policymaking.
- Experts argue targeting motorcycles could disproportionately affect low-income households.
The Government of Punjab has faced criticism for blaming motorcycles for Pakistan’s smog and air pollution, despite data that appears to contradict its claims.
Automotive industry veteran Tauqeer Ahmed has pointed out significant discrepancies in official figures, with the government estimating 31.9 million registered two-wheelers, while the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan suggests only around 10 million motorcycles are in operation.
These figures, which differ by more than 20 million, cast doubt on the reliability of the data used to support the government’s pollution policies.
Ahmed also challenged the claim that motorcycles are a major source of pollution, citing the fact that two-stroke engine production has been halted in Pakistan since at least 2006, making it unlikely that large numbers of such vehicles remain in use.
The Urban Unit’s Air Pollution Emission Inventory of Punjab also raises questions about the scale of motorcycle pollution, particularly their contribution to PM2.5, a fine particulate matter linked to serious health and environmental risks.
Pakistan’s First Biennial Update Report, prepared with the Ministry of Climate Change under the UN climate framework, estimates that motorcycles account for less than 1 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Targeting motorcycles through new taxes, restrictions, or other measures based on questionable data could disproportionately affect low- and middle-income households, which heavily rely on two-wheelers for daily travel.
Such policies could also put additional pressure on the struggling automotive industry, while increasing regulatory uncertainty and discouraging investment.
Experts recommend a proper nationwide assessment of active vehicles and their actual emissions before further measures are taken against motorcycles as part of Pakistan’s smog and pollution response.
