Pakistan shuts brick kilns to combat smog

    Pakistan has ordered the closure of brick kilns in a bid to combat smog.

    The government says traditional brick kilns will be closed for 70 days starting on Saturday 20 October, as it promotes new cleaner kilns that could cut pollution up to 70 per cent.

    It is believed Pakistan has around 19,000 brick kilns, identified as a contributor to an increasing smog problem in the country.

    Dunya News reports that the measure has produced an outcry both from kiln owners, who want incentives to make the switch, and from kiln workers who fear losing income.

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