Punjab kiln owners to halt operations from july 15 until demands met

Lahore, June 27: Punjab's kiln owners have announced a shutdown of all brick kilns starting July 15 until their demands are met, a move that could significantly impact the construction industry.
The Kiln Owners Association has submitted recommendations to the Federal Government and the International Labor Organization (ILO) addressing issues such as minimum wage standards, elimination of forced and child labor in brick kilns. These recommendations were presented during a workshop organized by the Employees Federation of Pakistan in collaboration with the ILO in Lahore.
Key figures such as former ILO Country Coordinator for Kiln Industry Benjamin, trainer and consultant Javed Gul, General Secretary of Employees Federation Pakistan Nazar Muhammad, and Central Chairman of Kiln Owners Association Shoaib Khan Niazi, along with other association leaders, participated in the workshop held at a local hotel.
Nazar Muhammad highlighted ongoing concerns regarding forced labor, child labor, and low wages in the kiln industry, urging kiln owners to formulate a comprehensive plan. Senior Vice Chairman Mehr Abdul Haq stressed the need for special legislation tailored to the industry's unique challenges.
Shoaib Khan Niazi pointed out that the kiln industry faces a crisis due to soaring coal prices and hefty fines imposed by the Motorway Police on coal transport trucks. He announced the planned closure, noting the lack of government response to their grievances. Kiln owners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to join the shutdown. Punjab currently has approximately 12,000 brick kilns.
The impending closure is likely to lead to a shortage and price hike of bricks in the market, adversely affecting construction activities across the province.