Islamabad: In a recent crackdown on outdated brick kilns, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) initiated a targeted operation to curb air pollution in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The action focused on sectors H-16 and H-17, where several non-compliant brick kilns were found violating environmental regulations.

During the operation, authorities sealed five illegal brick kilns that were still using the outdated Fixed Chimney Bull Trench Kilns (FCBTKs) method—an environmentally harmful process known to contribute significantly to smog and deteriorating air quality in Islamabad. These kilns had failed to adopt the eco-friendly zigzag technology, which is now mandatory under new environmental standards aimed at improving air quality and promoting sustainable brick production practices.

This Islamabad brick kiln crackdown is part of broader efforts by Pak-EPA to enforce clean air policies and encourage the adoption of zigzag technology across Pakistan. The move is seen as a crucial step in smog control and reducing harmful emissions from traditional brick manufacturing processes.

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According to Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the sealed brick kilns had already been served multiple warnings and directives to shift to zigzag technology—an energy-efficient and eco-friendly brick kiln technology aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality in Islamabad. Despite repeated notices, the operators continued using outdated methods, prompting strict enforcement under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.

“These outdated brick kilns were not only violating environmental laws but also posed severe health risks and environmental hazards to nearby communities,” Saleem stated during the Islamabad brick kiln crackdown.

Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zeb Ali reinforced the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against non-compliant practices. “We will continue strict implementation of environmental regulations. Any violators contributing to air pollution in Islamabad or ignoring the shift to sustainable technologies like zigzag will face serious consequences,” she affirmed.

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She further stated that the Islamabad brick kiln crackdown is part of a larger clean-air initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable industrial practices across the capital. As part of this ongoing effort, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has been strongly advocating for the adoption of zigzag kiln technology—a modern method that arranges bricks in a zigzag pattern to enhance airflow, boost fuel efficiency, and drastically reduce emissions.

The enforcement action followed numerous public complaints and detailed field inspections conducted by Pak-EPA teams. This operation reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to improving air quality in Islamabad by regulating outdated industrial methods and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.