ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, have launched a major crackdown on polluting brick kilns after air pollution levels in the country soared to hazardous levels, particularly in central Punjab and parts of Sindh province.
The move comes as the region battles one of its worst smog seasons in recent years, with Lahore ranked the most polluted city in the world this week and Karachi also reporting dangerous air quality readings.
Led by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA Islamabad) in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, CDA, and Islamabad Police, the operation involves demolishing traditional brick kilns operating without Zigzag Technology — a cleaner and more energy-efficient system designed to cut carbon and fine particulate emissions.
The enforcement drive, led by Khalid Mehmood Chadhar, Director (EIA/Monitoring) of Pak-EPA Islamabad and supervised by the Director General of Pak-EPA, focused on kilns located in the H-16 and H-17 sectors. These kilns were releasing toxic fumes and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere in clear violation of national environmental laws.
The anti-smog operation was carried out in close coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and Islamabad Police.
Repeated Warnings Ignored
According to Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, both Pak-EPA and ICT authorities had repeatedly issued warnings, summons, and closure orders to kiln owners over the past several years, urging them to transition to Zigzag Technology — an environmentally safer method that significantly reduces heat-trapping carbon emissions from fuel burned in old-style brick kilns.
“Despite multiple compliance opportunities, several kiln operators continued illegal operations, prompting strict enforcement action,” Shaikh said.
Earlier this month, the authorities published a final public notice in leading newspapers, giving brick kiln owners in Islamabad until October 20, 2025, to convert to Zigzag Technology or face demolition. Those failing to comply are now facing direct action without further notice.
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
“The government has zero tolerance for activities that endanger public health and the environment,” said Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to enforce environmental laws “without discrimination.”
He added, “The demolition of non-compliant brick kilns reflects our unwavering resolve to ensure cleaner air for citizens, particularly as the winter smog season has already set in.”
Shaikh further emphasized that the ministry, through Pak-EPA Islamabad, will continue to work with local administrations and industries to promote cleaner production technologies and sustainable practices.
“We urge all remaining brick kiln owners to immediately transition to Zigzag Technology. Protecting public health and environmental integrity is a shared responsibility,” he said.
National Anti-Smog Drive
Khalid Mehmood Chadhar reaffirmed that such demolition operations are part of Pakistan’s broader national anti-smog strategy, aimed at safeguarding air quality, reducing particulate pollution, and advancing the country’s environmental and sustainable development goals.
Worsening Air Quality in Lahore
The crackdown in Islamabad comes as Lahore battles some of the world’s worst air pollution this week. On Wednesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of the city exceeded 400–500, ranking Lahore as the most polluted city in the world, according to global air monitoring platforms such as IQAir.
The primary pollutant, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is many times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits, posing a severe health threat to millions. The dense smog has drastically reduced visibility, disrupting daily life and air traffic operations.
Experts attribute this toxic haze to a combination of stubble burning in agricultural areas of Pakistan and India, low wind speeds, and local emissions from vehicles and industries.
As Lahore and other cities choke under hazardous smog conditions, Islamabad’s environmental enforcement marks a crucial — though challenging — step toward cleaner air and stronger climate governance in Pakistan.
