The Department of Transport Management has decided to stop the registration of new public transport vehicles across the country until further notice, citing worsening air pollution, rising traffic congestion and difficulties in urban mobility.

Issuing a circular to all provincial ministries and local levels, the department said public transport management has not been systematic, contributing to rising air pollution, increasing traffic congestion and difficulties in urban mobility.

The notice stated that the decision was taken under Section 24(3) of the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 1993, which allows the authority to halt vehicle registration in the public interest due to factors including environmental pollution, road conditions and traffic management challenges.

It further said that, in view of the current situation and the need for improved management of public transport, registration of new public vehicles, including electric public transport vehicles, will remain suspended until further notice.

The directive has been sent to all seven provincial governments and local levels for implementation.