District Sargodha

Sargodha : ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a development package worth nearly PKR 1 billion for the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of major roads across Sargodha district, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between key urban and rural areas. The approved projects have been initiated under the Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiative and include road upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and improvements to important market and link roads in Sargodha and Shahpur. The package consists of eight development schemes designed to improve road conditions, ease traffic flow and enhance access to commercial and residential areas. Under the approved plan, several important roads in Sargodha city will undergo construction and rehabilitation work. These include Dairy Road, Azad Road, New Urdu Bazaar Road, Grain Market Road, Pilot School Road and Ara Market Road, with a combined estimated cost of approximately PKR 175.79 million. The rehabilitation of the Khayam Chowk Overhead Bridge has also been approved as part of the package, with an estimated allocation of PKR 88.981 million. The project is expected to improve road safety and traffic movement around one of the city’s key junctions. Another major scheme involves the rehabilitation of the connecting road from Johar Colony Road to Fatima Jinnah Road through Gillwala Railway Crossing and Haripurah Bridge, which has been approved at an estimated cost of PKR 228.674 million. The project will improve connectivity between important residential and commercial areas. The provincial government has also approved rehabilitation work on the Shama Chowk–Stadium Gate Road and its link road to Cheema Heart Centre, with an estimated cost of PKR 164.645 million. The scheme aims to improve access to key public facilities and reduce travel difficulties for commuters. Additional road improvement projects include the rehabilitation of Main Bazaar Bhagtanwala Road and the Lahore Road–Bhirowal–Kot Momin Link Road, with a combined estimated cost of around PKR 127.715 million. In Shahpur, the Jail Road–Shahpur Saddar Road will be upgraded under a project costing approximately PKR 98.888 million, while the rehabilitation of Farooka Road to Sial Dhulaka Road has also been approved with an estimated allocation of PKR 56.684 million. The approved development portfolio covers city roads, market-area routes, bridges and inter-district connections. Officials stated that these infrastructure improvements are part of broader efforts to enhance mobility, support economic activity and improve road networks across Sargodha district.

Sargodha | ReNews Pakistan The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has welcomed the sealing of an allegedly illegal cement manufacturing facility operating under the name Red Bull Cement on the Sargodha Faisalabad Road, describing the action as a significant step towards ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the formal industrial sector. According to a statement issued by the association, the facility, which is reportedly linked to Rohri Cement, was sealed and its operations suspended following a joint inspection conducted by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department. Authorities reportedly found that the unit was operating without obtaining the mandatory licenses, registrations, environmental approvals and other statutory permissions required under Pakistan’s industrial and environmental regulations. The inspection led to immediate enforcement action, resulting in the closure of the facility pending further legal and regulatory proceedings. APCMA praised the coordinated efforts of the government agencies involved, stating that timely intervention against illegal manufacturing activities is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability within the cement sector. The association noted that unauthorized cement production not only deprives the national exchequer of substantial tax revenues but also creates unfair market conditions for legitimate manufacturers that invest heavily in meeting environmental, safety, quality and regulatory standards. Industry representatives emphasized that Pakistan’s formal cement sector contributes billions of rupees annually in taxes and duties while complying with regulations issued by the FBR, EPA and other relevant authorities. They argued that illegal operators undermine these efforts by avoiding compliance costs and regulatory obligations. APCMA further urged regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms across the country to identify and take action against non compliant manufacturing units before they can cause significant economic, environmental or market related damage. The association reiterated its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at eliminating unlawful industrial activity and fostering a transparent, competitive and sustainable business environment for Pakistan’s cement industry. Officials believe that continued enforcement against unauthorized industrial operations will help improve tax collection, strengthen environmental compliance and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating within the legal framework.

Sargodha: [ReNews Pakistan] Deputy Commissioner Sargodha, Hussain Ahmed Raza Chaudhry, on Wednesday emphasized the need to maximize tree plantation on vacant lands and adopt a comprehensive strategy to promote a healthier urban environment. He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), which reviewed ongoing development projects and discussed proposed schemes for the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP). During the meeting, PHA Managing Director Muhammad Arshad briefed participants on the progress of current initiatives, financial matters, and the authority’s revenue streams. He highlighted that efforts are underway to enhance the city’s beautification through plantation drives and the improvement of green belts. Proposals for establishing new parks are also being considered. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to further improve the Botanical Garden and expedite initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s overall aesthetic appeal. The MD added that several new schemes have been proposed for inclusion in the upcoming ADP, including the upgradation of existing parks and the development of new green areas. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Muhammad Arshad Wattoo also attended the meeting.