Monitoring of environmental laws stressed

Islamabad : Robust monitoring of environmental regulations as well as protection of labour rights is crucial for a just and sustainable transition in the construction industry.

This was the crux of a panel discussion on ‘Socially and environmentally compliant construction industry in Pakistan’ organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with NED and SC here yesterday.

Geir Thomas Tonstol, Country Director of International Labor Organisation, Pakistan, said that the construction sector transforms source materials into capital assets contributing significantly to economic activity and thus holds immense potential for poverty reduction and income generation. However, he said, the lack of specialised skills and high risks of occupational hazards made it one of the riskiest sectors globally.

High prevalence of informal employment further weakens the social security and workers' rights, he said adding that coordinated efforts are required by the government, employers and workers with initiatives focusing on promoting greater compliance and fostering decent working conditions in the construction industry in Pakistan.

Dr Saifullah from Development Impact Solutions, highlighting the hazardous working conditions in brick kiln industry, said that out of 4.4-5.2 million brick kiln workers, 68% are doing bonded or forced labour, with 19% being under 18 years of age. The industry employs an estimated 1.3 million workers, including 23% women, with 69% dedicated to moulding. He called for enhancing productivity by introducing new technologies to reduce occupational and environmental hazards.

Khalid Mahmood, Director, Labour Education Foundation, stressed the need to protect workers' rights for a truly just transition.

Malik Najaf Khan from Sindh People's Housing for Flood Affectees, remarked that land rights are at the heart of the reconstruction efforts and called for empowering affected people through ownership, particularly for women and vulnerable households.

Mehar Abdul Haq Brick Kilns Owners' Association Pakistan, called for eco-friendly technologies in kilns, such as Zig Zag, for emissions reduction, energy conservation and enhanced environmental sustainability.

He also called for enhancing registration kilns workers with the government institutions concerned particularly social protection institutions and strict enforcement and compliance of labour laws, safety standards, and environmental regulations within the brick kiln industry. He suggested providing capacity building training for brick kiln workers, regarding environment-friendly and safer brick-making techniques, health safety and labour rights and incentivising the adoption of eco-friendly technologies.

He emphasised to ensure strict adherence to labour laws and the protection of workers' rights within the brick kiln industry and foster collaborative partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, industry associations and international bodies to develop and implement policies that support environmentally compliant brick kilns.