KP Bans Brick Kilns to Tackle Smog

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has moved to ban traditional brick kilns in a fresh effort to curb air pollution and smog.

According to the provincial Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all old-style brick kilns in Peshawar must shut down by November 15. The agency has already issued a formal notice to the Brick Kiln Association.

The EPA said chimney-based brick production is a major source of smog in Peshawar and nearby areas. It added that many kilns have not yet shifted to Zigzag technology, which is cleaner and more efficient.

Therefore, the EPA has restricted brick production to Zigzag-technology kilns only and directed all operators to upgrade their plants.

The authority stressed that traditional kilns pose serious risks to both public health and the environment. As a result, the police and district administrations have been instructed to enforce the closure of all outdated units.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, authorities have started a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles to combat rising smog levels.

Director General of Environment Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh announced that vehicles producing visible smoke will not be allowed on the roads from today. He ordered the traffic police to begin immediate action against such vehicles.

He further directed enforcement teams to remove any vehicle operating without a valid fitness certificate. In addition, he instructed officials to clear traffic congestion, especially at key choke points in major cities.