Faisalabad Division

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) have agreed to enhance institutional coordination and accelerate the processing of housing finance applications under the Prime Minister's Apna Ghar Scheme, aiming to make affordable home ownership more accessible for eligible citizens across the country.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the FDA Complex in Faisalabad. The meeting was chaired by FDA Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry and attended by SBP Chief Manager Fouzia Aslam, senior FDA officials, and representatives from commercial banks participating in the housing finance programme.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the current implementation of the scheme and agreed on a series of measures to improve efficiency. These include streamlining administrative procedures, strengthening inter agency coordination, and appointing dedicated focal persons from both the SBP and the FDA to ensure quicker processing of loan applications and prompt resolution of applicants' concerns.
Speaking at the meeting, SBP Chief Manager Fouzia Aslam said the Prime Minister's affordable housing initiative has received an encouraging response from the public. She revealed that more than 76,000 applications have been submitted nationwide during the past six months. Of these, over 18,000 applications have been approved, while financing has already been disbursed to more than 3,000 successful applicants, reflecting steady progress in the programme's implementation.
Under the Apna Ghar Scheme, eligible applicants can obtain housing finance of up to PKR 10 million at a subsidised annual markup rate of 5% for a repayment period of up to 10 years. The financing is available for the construction of houses on residential plots measuring up to 10 marlas, making home ownership more affordable for middle- and lower-income families.
FDA Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry assured the State Bank and participating financial institutions of the authority's full administrative support.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
Punjab’s Rs 7.575 billion project to dualize the Faisalabad Chiniot Sargodha Road has entered its final phase, with authorities directed to complete the scheme within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring strict compliance with construction quality standards.
The progress of the project was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Communications and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth. Officials briefed the meeting that work on the dualization of the Faisalabad Chiniot Sargodha Road is progressing according to schedule.
According to the briefing, the 24 kilometre section from Kamalpur Interchange to Tehsil Chowk Chiniot is in its final stage. Asphalt work has been completed across the entire stretch, while lane marking, road signage, median construction and other finishing works are currently underway.
The provincial minister said that after completion, the project would provide safer, faster and more comfortable travel between Faisalabad, Chiniot and Sargodha. The dual carriageway is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and enhance road safety for both passengers and commercial vehicles.
Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said the project is part of the Punjab government’s broader strategy to expand a modern, safe and durable road network across the province. He added that improved road infrastructure would support trade, industrial and agricultural activity, investment and the regional economy.
He said the Communications and Works Department is carrying forward development projects under the principles of transparency, quality and timely completion, with the objective of providing better travel facilities to the public and strengthening connectivity between different cities of Punjab.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided two anti-smog guns to Faisalabad as part of Punjab’s broader efforts to control air pollution and reduce the impact of smog before the winter season.
EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh inaugurated the anti-smog machines at the DC Office Complex in Faisalabad. The initiative is aimed at improving air quality in the city by using modern technology to suppress dust and airborne particles at pollution hotspots.
During the ceremony, The University of Faisalabad and the EPA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research on smog prevention and control. Officials said the collaboration would help strengthen scientific studies, public awareness and practical measures for reducing air pollution in urban areas.
Participants at the event were briefed on various steps being taken to control smog, including the use of anti-smog guns, monitoring of pollution sources, and preventive measures to reduce dust and emissions.
Speaking to the media, EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh said the anti-smog guns had been introduced in Faisalabad after similar equipment was used in Lahore last year. He said the machines release a fine mist of water into the air, which helps settle dust and other suspended particles that contribute to smog.
He added that the Punjab government is continuing to use modern technology and preventive planning to improve environmental conditions across the province. According to officials, such measures are particularly important ahead of the winter months, when smog levels usually rise due to weather conditions, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and dust.
The EPA said the deployment of anti-smog guns in Faisalabad reflects the government’s focus on expanding pollution control initiatives beyond Lahore and addressing air quality challenges in other major cities of Punjab.
Environmental experts believe that while anti-smog guns can help reduce dust in specific areas, long-term improvement in air quality will require strict action against industrial emissions, vehicle smoke, crop residue burning, construction dust and other major sources of pollution.
Officials said the EPA would continue working with academic institutions, local administrations and relevant departments to develop effective strategies for smog control and environmental protection in Punjab.