Kasur – The Leather Hub of Pakistan

        

Kasur – The Leather Hub of Pakistan

Kasur, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, holds a significant place on the industrial map of the country. While the city is historically rich and known for its cultural heritage, Sufi shrines (like that of Bulleh Shah), and agricultural strength, it is especially famous for its leather industry, earning the title “Leather House of Pakistan.” Here's a detailed exploration of why Kasur holds this title and what makes its leather sector noteworthy.

📍 Location & Overview

Province: Punjab

Distance from Lahore: ~55 km (South)

Population: Over 1 million

Known for: Bulleh Shah's shrine, fertile lands, and the largest concentration of leather tanneries in Pakistan

🧥 Why is Kasur Known as the Leather House of Pakistan?

1. Tannery Hub of the Country

Kasur is home to Pakistan’s largest cluster of leather tanneries. These tanneries process raw animal hides into leather used in the production of goods like shoes, jackets, bags, belts, gloves, and more.

2. Kasur Tanneries Zone (KTZ)

To address environmental issues and better organize the industry, the Kasur Tanneries Waste Management Agency (KTWMA) established the Kasur Tanneries Zone (KTZ) in the late 1990s. This cluster includes:

Over 200 tanneries

Modern waste treatment facilities

Specialized infrastructure for leather production

KTZ was a response to environmental concerns over untreated chemical waste from tanneries and aimed to centralize operations in a managed industrial estate.

3. Major Leather Exports

Kasur contributes significantly to Pakistan’s leather exports. Pakistan ranks among the top 10 leather-exporting countries, and Kasur plays a vital role in:

Finished leather goods

Footwear manufacturing

Leather accessories

These goods are exported to countries such as Italy, Germany, China, the USA, and the UAE.

🧤 Leather Products from Kasur

The city is especially known for:

Leather jackets

Leather shoes and boots

Gloves and wallets

Bags and belts

Motorbike leather apparel

Many international buyers source their leather from Kasur due to its affordable labor, skilled craftsmanship, and high-quality tanning processes.

🏭 Industries and Employment

The leather industry is one of Kasur's main sources of employment. It provides jobs for:

Tannery workers

Designers and artisans

Leather technicians

Logistic handlers

Export managers

This industry contributes to the local economy and supports thousands of households.

🌍 Environmental and Social Challenges

Despite its economic benefits, the leather industry in Kasur has faced several challenges:

1. Pollution

In the past, untreated tannery waste was released into local water bodies, especially the Rohi Nullah.

Toxic chemicals like chromium posed severe health and environmental risks.

2. Waste Management Solutions

Establishment of the KTWMA and combined effluent treatment plants (CETPs).

Implementation of environment-friendly practices by some tanneries.

3. Child Labor Concerns

NGOs and international organizations have highlighted issues like child labor, pushing for ethical labor practices and transparency in supply chains.

📈 Economic Significance

Kasur contributes significantly to:

Pakistan’s GDP through leather exports

Foreign exchange earnings

SME (Small & Medium Enterprise) development

Leather goods rank as the second-largest export earner for Pakistan after textiles, and Kasur’s share in this is substantial.

🕌 Cultural Blend with Industry

Interestingly, while Kasur is industrial, it retains a rich cultural vibe. The city:

Hosts the annual Urs of Baba Bulleh Shah, attracting pilgrims from all over.

Has a traditional bazaar culture where leather goods are displayed alongside handmade crafts.

This blend of Sufi mysticism and industrial energy gives Kasur a unique identity.

🔮 Future Outlook

With rising global demand for sustainable and ethically produced leather, Kasur is slowly transforming:

Shift toward eco-friendly tanning processes

Certifications and compliance for export markets (like ISO and REACH)

Adoption of modern technology for leather processing and design

        

Kasur’s reputation as the “Leather House of Pakistan” is well-deserved. 

It is not only a key player in Pakistan’s leather exports but also a symbol of the country’s industrial potential. 

While the industry faces environmental and ethical challenges, efforts are underway to make leather production more sustainable. 

As Kasur modernizes its leather industry, it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic and export landscape.