Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
Air pollution has become one of Pakistan’s most severe environmental and public health emergencies. Over the past several years, the country has repeatedly ranked among the most polluted in the world, with cities such as Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar experiencing hazardous air quality during prolonged smog seasons. Global air quality assessments, including those compiled by IQAir, consistently place Pakistan alongside Bangladesh and India at the lower end of clean air rankings. These levels fall far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines, which define safe exposure limits for fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
The WHO has identified air pollution as the single largest environmental risk to human health worldwide. According to its findings, around 99 per cent of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits, and air pollution contributes to approximately seven million premature deaths every year. In Pakistan, the burden is particularly heavy due to rapid urbanisation, weak environmental enforcement and continued dependence on polluting fuels.
One of the most significant yet often overlooked contributors to this crisis is the brick kiln industry. Brick kilns are a critical part of Pakistan’s construction supply chain, supporting housing, infrastructure and economic growth. At the same time, they are among the most polluting small-scale industries in the country. Addressing emissions from brick kilns is therefore essential if Pakistan is serious about improving air quality and protecting public health.
Pakistan’s brick kiln sector is vast and largely informal. Estimates suggest that nearly 20,000 brick kilns operate across the country, producing around 45 billion bricks every year. This places Pakistan as the third-largest brick producer in South Asia, after India and Bangladesh. Around 90 per cent of these kilns are concentrated in Punjab and Sindh, mostly in peri-urban belts surrounding major cities. Despite their scale, many kilns operate with minimal regulatory oversight and outdated technology.
The majority of brick kilns continue to rely on traditional firing methods, particularly the Fixed Chimney Bull’s Trench Kiln. This technology, which has changed little over decades, is highly inefficient and energy-intensive. It consumes large quantities of fuel and releases heavy emissions into the air. Its continued use is driven by low initial investment costs and weak enforcement, even though cleaner alternatives are available.
Brick kilns emit a complex mix of harmful air pollutants. Fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and PM10, is one of the most dangerous components, as these microscopic particles penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Kilns also release sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and black carbon, along with toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Pollution levels are further aggravated by the fuels used. To reduce operating costs, many kiln owners burn low-grade coal along with waste materials such as plastic, rubber scraps, leather waste and even medical refuse. When burned, these materials release additional toxic compounds, worsening both local air pollution and climate-warming emissions.
During the cooler months from October to February, emissions from brick kilns play a major role in smog formation. Combined with vehicular exhaust, industrial pollution and crop residue burning, kiln smoke contributes to the dense haze that blankets cities, reduces visibility and traps pollutants near the ground. Research shows that these smog episodes coincide with sharp increases in respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions.
The health impacts of brick kiln pollution are severe and well documented. Air pollution increases the incidence of asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. In Pakistan, outdoor air pollution is among the leading environmental risk factors for disease. Research cited by organizations such as Human Rights Watch estimates that more than 140,000 premature deaths each year in Pakistan can be linked to outdoor air pollution. The World Bank and the Air Quality Life Index further report that poor air quality reduces average life expectancy in Pakistan by nearly four years, with even greater losses in heavily polluted urban centres.
Children, older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Low-income communities living near brick kilns face continuous exposure and often lack access to adequate healthcare. Kiln workers themselves, who are exposed year-round, suffer some of the worst health consequences, making air pollution not only an environmental issue but also a matter of social justice.
There is frequent debate about whether smog in Pakistan originates across international borders. While atmospheric conditions can allow pollution to travel regionally, scientific evidence shows that local sources remain the dominant drivers of Pakistan’s air quality crisis. Brick kilns, vehicles, industrial emissions and agricultural burning together account for most of the pollution, underscoring the need for domestic regulation rather than external blame.
Recognising the scale of the problem, Pakistan has begun promoting cleaner brick kiln technologies, particularly the induced draft zigzag kiln. This technology improves airflow and combustion efficiency, reducing particulate emissions by up to 60 per cent and lowering fuel consumption by around 30 per cent. Punjab has led this transition, with official figures indicating that more than 11,000 traditional kilns have been converted to zigzag technology. Islamabad has also made significant progress, converting the majority of its conventional kilns.
However, adoption remains uneven across the country. Outside Punjab and the federal capital, progress has been slow. Many kiln owners cite high conversion costs, limited access to credit and weak enforcement as reasons for resisting change. As a result, a large proportion of kilns nationwide continue to operate using outdated and polluting methods.
Pakistan does have policy frameworks, such as the National Clean Air Policy, aimed at reducing emissions from transport, industry and brick kilns. Yet implementation remains inconsistent. Environmental protection agencies face capacity constraints, while penalties for non-compliance are often insufficient to drive meaningful change. Experts argue that progress will require stricter enforcement, financial incentives for cleaner technologies, clear zoning regulations to keep kilns away from residential areas and continuous air quality monitoring.
The brick kiln industry remains vital to Pakistan’s economy, but its environmental cost can no longer be ignored. Reducing emissions through cleaner technology, effective regulation and coordinated action is not merely an environmental objective; it is a public health imperative. As the World Health Organization continues to stress, clean air is a basic human right. Transforming Pakistan’s brick kiln sector could play a decisive role in clearing the air, saving lives and building a healthier future for millions.
The writer is a social development professional and freelance writer. He can be reached at anrahimoo@gmail.com
