Islamabad (October 29, 2025) - In a decisive move to combat air pollution and smog in Islamabad, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Islamabad (Pak-EPA Islamabad) on Wednesday launched an extensive operation to demolish non-compliant and polluting traditional brick kilns operating without Zigzag Technology in the federal capital.

The enforcement operation, led by Mr. Khalid Mehmood Chadhar, Director (EIA/Monitoring), Pak-EPA Islamabad, under the supervision of the Director General of Pak-EPA, targeted brick kilns located in H-16 and H-17 sectors that have kept releasing toxic fumes and fine dust into the air in violation of the relevant environmental laws.

The knock-down operation was conducted in close coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Police.

Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ministry Spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh recalled that for the past few years, Pak-EPA and ICT authorities have repeatedly warned, summoned and issued closure orders to kiln owners if they did not convert to Zigzag Technology - an eco-friendly method that lowers heat-trapping carbon emissions from fuel burned in old-style brick kilns.

Despite multiple compliance opportunities, several kiln operators continued illegal operations, prompting strict enforcement action, Mr. Shaikh said.

He also recalled that following a final public notice published in leading national newspapers earlier this month, kiln owners of traditional brick kilns in the capital city were given until October 20, 2025, to adopt Zigzag Technology or face demolition action. Any kilns found operating in violation beyond the deadline are now being demolished without further notice.

“The government has zero tolerance for activities that endanger public health and the environment,” said Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Media Spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination. “The demolition of non-compliant brick kilns reflects our unwavering commitment to implement environmental laws without discrimination and to ensure cleaner air for citizens, particularly as winter smog season has already set in.”

He added that the Ministry, through Pak-EPA Islamabad, will continue to work closely with local administrations and industries to promote cleaner production technologies and sustainable practices. “We urge all remaining brick kiln owners to immediately transition to Zigzag Technology. Protecting public health and environmental integrity is a shared responsibility,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Pak-EPA Islamabad’s Mr. Khalid Mehmood Chadhar reiterated that such operations are part of a broader national anti-smog strategy designed to safeguard air quality, reduce particulate pollution, and support Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.