Faisalabad proposes two industrial zones to relocate 111 hazardous units

FAISALABAD: The divisional administration has sent a set of proposals to the Punjab government for the creation of at least two dedicated industrial zones to move 111 hazardous industrial units out of densely populated parts of Faisalabad.

According to official documents, each proposed zone would span about 200 acres and carry an estimated development cost of Rs1 billion. The proposals were forwarded in a detailed summary prepared during the tenure of former commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar.

The plan also includes a package of financial and policy support intended to help industries shift to the new sites. The proposed incentives include a tax holiday of three to five years, soft loans with easy instalments and grace periods, relocation grants especially for small and medium enterprises, and tax exemptions on imported machinery.

Officials have also asked the provincial government to approve the new industrial estates under the proposed name Maryam Nawaz Sharif Industrial Zone.

Relocation framework and committee

The divisional administration had already formed a District Industrial Relocation Committee in January 2026 to examine feasibility, stakeholder concerns, land requirements, incentives and the broader relocation framework.

Raja Jahangir Anwar said Faisalabad, as one of Pakistan’s major industrial centres and Punjab’s second largest city, has seen rapid urban growth over the years. He said many industrial units, particularly those dealing with hazardous materials, are now functioning inside residential neighbourhoods.

He said this has led to serious issues including air, water and noise pollution, risks to public health, fire and chemical dangers, and added strain on civic infrastructure. He added that the divisional administration had started a structured and consultative process to move such industries to safer and properly planned industrial zones.

Earlier, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the divisional administration, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and several industrial associations in support of the relocation initiative.

Land identified on Satyana Road

On the directions of the commissioner Faisalabad, around 200 acres of land have already been identified on Satyana Road for the first phase of the relocation plan. The proposed site is meant to accommodate hazardous industrial units being shifted from urban areas in an effort to reduce environmental and safety risks.

Director General Faisalabad Development Authority Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, who is also the committee’s convener, said during a recent meeting that the identified land had been inspected on site along with the assistant commissioner Jaranwala and other officials and found suitable for an industrial estate.

He said the location also has the advantage of an existing drainage system that can support industrial waste disposal.

The proposals now await consideration by the Punjab government as the administration seeks to relocate hazardous units from residential areas to planned industrial estates.