14 public welfare projects put on hold

Afforestation, anti-smog measures, cultural preservation projects lose momentum

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FAISALABAD:

At least 14 public welfare initiatives launched by the previous divisional administration in Faisalabad have reportedly been shelved, with critics claiming that the current administration has neither sustained the momentum of ongoing reforms nor introduced significant new public-oriented projects.

Sources in the Commissioner's Office said former Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar had initiated a series of projects aimed at addressing civic issues across Faisalabad Division, which comprises Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Chiniot districts.

Among the key initiatives was the launch of the "Hello Faisalabad" helpline, designed to improve coordination among government departments, including the Municipal Corporation, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Suthra Punjab Programme, Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), and the Environment Protection Department.

The former administration also introduced an ambitious afforestation campaign with a target of planting 100,000 trees across the division. As part of austerity measures, a government vehicle-sharing and carpooling programme was launched to reduce official expenditures.

Plans were also unveiled to establish a network of libraries in both urban and rural areas to promote reading and educational activities.

To address environmental concerns, particularly smog and dust pollution, authorities announced a project to develop "Living Walls" along 30 major roads in Faisalabad.

The first pilot project was scheduled to begin on May 1.

On March 30, the administration launched the "Plantation for Generations" campaign, bringing together government departments and civil society organisations in a collective effort to improve environmental conditions and expand green cover.

Efforts were also made to revive the historic horse-drawn tram service connecting Buchiana in Jaranwala Tehsil with Ganga Pur village.

A proposal seeking the inclusion of the project in Punjab's Annual Development Programme was submitted to the provincial government.

To facilitate traders and the business community, a Tax Rationalisation Committee was formed to improve coordination among tax-related departments and address long-standing concerns regarding taxation procedures.

Several cultural and civic beautification projects were also initiated, including wall-painting campaigns depicting national and historical personalities, the "Mera Sohna Shehar Faisalabad" programme, and the establishment of neighbourhood beautification committees known as "Mohalla Sajao Committees."

The former commissioner also promoted inter-provincial harmony through educational and cultural engagement. Universities, including the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Government College University Faisalabad, were encouraged to organise dialogue programmes for students from different provinces.

Information Deputy Director and spokesperson for the divisional administration Muhammad Awais said he was not aware of any ongoing dialogue programmes involving Baloch students in universities.

However, he acknowledged that official correspondence regarding the industry relocation plan initiated by the former commissioner had been forwarded to the Punjab government for further processing.