Brick kiln crackdown raises livelihood concerns

When the brick kiln near Wagah shut down, Ghulam Rasool lost the job that had supported his family for years. Today, he drives a rented Qingqi rickshaw while his wife works as a domestic helper. His story reflects the wider impact of Punjab's intensified smog crackdown, where the fight for cleaner air is colliding with the livelihoods of countless workers.

Every winter, Punjab's smog crisis brings renewed pressure on industries blamed for worsening air quality. But behind the crackdown on brick kilns are thousands of households facing an uncertain future. For families like Ghulam Rasool's, environmental enforcement has come with a heavy economic cost.

Ahead of the expected smog season, the Punjab government has intensified action against sources of air pollution, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab announcing continued action against brick kilns operating without zig-zag technology or violating environmental regulations. However, kiln owners are demanding amendments to smog rules.

According to a joint survey by EPA Punjab and The Urban Unit, there are approximately 10,394 brick kilns operating across the province. Officials claim that 1,912 kilns have so far been demolished for failing to adopt zig-zag technology and contributing to air pollution.

The EPA maintains that while proposals to allow biomass as an alternative fuel may be considered, no kiln will be permitted to operate without zig-zag technology. Officials said action against kilns emitting black smoke would continue.

Senior Vice Chairman of the Brick Kilns Owners Association of Pakistan Mehr Abdul Haq said the brick industry supports government efforts to control pollution but believes existing smog regulations require practical amendments.

“Temporary black smoke emissions during the initial firing stage and final shutdown process are unavoidable,” noted Haq, who demanded a relaxation period of three days after ignition and seven days during closure.

Haq also called for limiting fines for minor violations to between Rs10,000 and Rs50,000, ending the practice of sealing kilns as punishment, and allowing the use of approved biomass fuels.

President of the Lahore Brick Kilns Owners Association Rana Subhan Ali said no brick kiln in Lahore was demolished solely due to environmental violations. He claimed many owners voluntarily closed operations due to shortages of clay, limited space, and rising production costs.

According to him, each kiln provides employment to around 15 families, involving approximately 100 to 150 people, meaning closures have affected a large number of workers and their dependents.

Meanwhile, the EPA Punjab has expanded its crackdown ahead of the smog season against brick kilns, industrial units, plastic factories, construction sites and smoke-emitting vehicles across the province.

EPA Punjab Director General Syed Musa Raza has directed regional directors and field officers to ensure strict enforcement of environmental laws and strengthen monitoring activities.

According to EPA Punjab data, from January 1 to July 25, 2026, authorities inspected 45,736 brick kilns across the province. During this period, 777 kilns were demolished, 419 were sealed, and 762 cases were registered, while fines totaling Rs67.76 million were imposed.

Syed Musa Raza said the government is focusing on preventive action rather than waiting for smog conditions to worsen during winter, aiming to control major sources of air pollution before the season begins.

The investigation highlights the growing challenge for Punjab authorities: balancing stricter environmental enforcement with the economic impact on an industry that provides livelihoods to thousands of workers.