Punjab Province

Faisalabad : ReNews Pakistan
More than half of Faisalabad’s urban industrial units have been classified as posing a very high environmental risk, prompting the district administration to intensify inspections and initiate action against industries operating in or near residential neighbourhoods.
The findings emerged from a comprehensive multi-dimensional survey conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the government’s broader plan to identify environmentally hazardous industries and relocate high-risk units from densely populated areas to designated industrial zones.
According to the survey, major environmental and public safety risks associated with industrial activity in the city include emissions from boilers, untreated industrial wastewater, hazardous chemical use and the close proximity of factories to residential communities.
The report identified 782 industrial units operating across 105 union councils of Faisalabad, collectively employing approximately 43,612 workers, highlighting both the economic significance of the sector and the scale of the challenge facing authorities seeking to address environmental and land-use violations.
Of the industrial units surveyed, 568 are located within 0.5 kilometres of residential areas, while 441 units are situated inside or immediately adjacent to populated neighbourhoods, exposing nearby communities to potential air pollution, wastewater contamination and industrial safety hazards.
Regulatory compliance also emerged as a major concern. The survey found that 734 industrial units were operating without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the EPA, raising questions over environmental oversight and enforcement within the city's rapidly expanding industrial landscape.
Authorities also identified 70 industrial units operating without mandatory environmental approvals or chemical licences and in violation of applicable land-use regulations. The survey recommended that these units should not be regularised because of the potential environmental and public health risks associated with their operations.
Following the findings, the Industry Relocation Committee, chaired by Faisalabad Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, decided to begin enforcement proceedings against industrial units operating in residential areas where their activities could endanger workers and surrounding communities.
Joint inspection teams comprising officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, Labour Department and Municipal Corporation have been constituted to inspect all 441 industrial units identified within urban residential areas.
The teams will examine whether the industries possess the required environmental approvals and labour registrations, whether their buildings have approved plans, and whether boilers and pressure vessels comply with prescribed capacity, operational and safety standards.
Initial notices will be issued to units where violations are identified, paving the way for further regulatory or enforcement action depending on the nature and severity of non-compliance.
Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said industries operating without the necessary approvals would not be permitted to continue functioning within city limits. He stressed that protecting industrial workers and residents living around factories would remain a priority for the administration.
The crackdown forms part of a broader effort to reorganise Faisalabad’s industrial footprint by gradually shifting hazardous and incompatible industrial activities away from residential communities and into properly planned industrial zones.
The Industry Relocation Committee also reviewed progress on identifying suitable locations and facilitating the relocation of industries currently operating in residential areas.
The initiative could have significant implications for Faisalabad’s urban planning and real estate landscape. Moving industrial operations out of residential neighbourhoods would not only reduce environmental and safety risks but could also open affected areas for more compatible residential, commercial and mixed-use development, subject to applicable land-use regulations.
As one of Pakistan’s largest industrial centres, Faisalabad faces the challenge of balancing industrial growth and employment with environmental protection, public health and sustainable urban development. The latest survey provides authorities with a detailed framework for determining which industrial units can meet regulatory requirements and which may ultimately have to relocate outside densely populated parts of the city.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive survey of dilapidated and hazardous buildings across all cities of the province immediately after the monsoon season, while also ordering the early completion of projects under the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) Phase One.

A special meeting on the Punjab Development Programme was held under the chair of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during which detailed progress on ongoing projects, as well as measures related to sewerage, drainage, and urban infrastructure, were reviewed. All Deputy Commissioners across Punjab participated in the meeting via video link.

The Chief Minister ordered the preparation of a case study for PDP Phase One, along with an impact assessment report on sewerage and drainage projects. She also directed that public feedback on the projects be compiled to evaluate the real impact of improved civic facilities.

The meeting reviewed ongoing development schemes under the Punjab Development Programme in various cities including Vehari, Burewala, Tandlianwala, Jaranwala, Jalalpur Jattan, Sambrial, Muridke, Khudian, Kabirwala, Chak Jhumra, Bhalwal, and Attock.

Progress on projects in Kamalia, Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Ali Pur Chattha, Chichawatni, Daska, Layyah, Sillanwali, Wazirabad, Bahawalnagar, and Mailsi was also reviewed, while reports from Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot were presented.

The meeting was informed that underground water storage tanks have become fully operational in 29 cities of Punjab, while construction is ongoing in 21 additional cities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif appreciated the performance of district administrations, WASA, and Suthra Punjab teams for their effective response during the monsoon season in drainage management and emergency situations.

She lauded Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Ali Ijaz for remaining present on-site for 27 consecutive hours during the Bagbanpura incident and supervising rescue operations until the last citizen was recovered from the debris.

The Chief Minister also praised Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Ahmed Sheikh for completing drainage operations in less than six hours despite record rainfall in the city.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that significant improvement in drainage has been observed following the installation of new sewerage systems in various cities. She added that Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, WASA, and Suthra Punjab teams performed effectively during the monsoon season.

She further said that officers and staff who worked day and night to facilitate citizens and resolve their difficulties during the rains deserve full appreciation.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees, sealing 75 properties across different parts of the city.
Acting on the directions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, teams from the Town Planning Wing conducted operations in LDA controlled areas, including Faisal Town, Canal Road, Samanabad, Poonch Road and Azam Garden.
According to the LDA, 16 properties were sealed in Faisal Town for the illegal commercial use of residential premises, while another 49 properties were sealed on Canal Road, Samanabad and Poonch Road over unauthorised commercial activity and non-payment of commercial fees.
During a separate recovery operation in Azam Garden, LDA teams sealed 10 additional properties, taking the total number of sealed properties to 75.
Officials said the sealed properties included private schools, academies, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, clinics, pharmacies, shops, showrooms, offices and other commercial establishments.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad uz Zaman. LDA officials said notices had been issued to the owners of the properties regarding regulatory violations and payment of outstanding dues before enforcement action was taken.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings, unauthorised commercial use and commercial fee defaulters would continue across LDA controlled areas.