SIALKOT: The ‘artificial shortage’ of bricks has slowed construction activity in Sialkot region while owners of some kilns in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Pasrur and surrounding areas are making windfall profits by selling 1,000 bricks at the rate of Rs9,000.

Some people, who are finding it hard to complete their buildings, say the rate of bricks was Rs4,800 in Sialkot region two years ago. Last year, the price surged to Rs7,200 showing Rs2,400 increase.

They say now kiln owners have created a ‘crisis’ and are selling 1,000 pieces at Rs9,000.

A dealer says he had placed 10,000 bricks order and he got 2,000 pieces at a rate of Rs9,000 per 1,000 bricks.

A kiln owner says a large number of unbaked bricks turned rotten owing to unexpected torrential rains in Sialkot region, resulting in shortage of the material.

Locals have urged Commissioner Gujranwala Division Shamail Ahmed Khwaja and Sialkot DCO Nadeem Sarwar to look into the matter in the larger public interest.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2015

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