The impending closure is anticipated to lead to a shortage and increased prices of bricks in the market, thereby affecting ongoing construction projects.
Lahore: Brick kiln owners in Punjab have announced a province-wide shutdown of kilns starting July 15, pending approval of their demands, a move likely to impact the construction sector significantly.
The Kiln Owners Association has submitted recommendations to the Federal Government and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to address issues such as setting a minimum wage for workers, and the elimination of forced and child labor at brick kilns. These recommendations were presented during a training workshop organized by the Employees Federation of Pakistan in collaboration with the ILO in Lahore.
Key figures at the workshop included former ILO Country Coordinator for Kiln Industry Benjamin, trainer and consultant Javed Gul, General Secretary of Employees Federation Pakistan Nazar Muhammad, Central Chairman of Kiln Owners Association Shoaib Khan Niazi, and Senior Vice Chairman Mehr Abdul Haq. Presidents of various district associations, including Lahore President Rana Subhan, were also present.
Nazar Muhammad highlighted ongoing concerns regarding forced labor, child labor, and low wages in the brick kiln industry, urging kiln owners to devise a comprehensive plan to address these issues. Mehr Abdul Haq stressed the need for special legislation tailored to the kiln industry, reflecting its unique challenges.
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Shoaib Khan Niazi pointed out that rising coal prices and hefty fines by the Motorway Police on coal-carrying trucks have disrupted coal supplies, exacerbating the industry’s difficulties. Despite the looming shutdown, there has been no response from the government. The shutdown is expected to spread to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well, with about 12,000 brick kilns currently operating in Punjab.
The impending closure is anticipated to lead to a shortage and increased prices of bricks in the market, thereby affecting ongoing construction projects.
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