TOBA TEK SINGH: A meeting of the District Industrial Relocation Committee, formed by the commissioner to relocate potentially hazardous industries out of Faisalabad and address environmental concerns, was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Muhammad Asif of the Faisalabad Development Authority.

The meeting reviewed matters related to identifying industries posing risks to human life and property, their evacuation, the selection of relocation sites, and the provision of basic facilities, with the aim of preparing comprehensive recommendations.

Participants were informed that a survey had identified 187 industrial units within the city that pose potential hazards. It was recommended that these industries be relocated outside municipal limits on a priority basis. Information has also been gathered regarding the availability of government land in Tehsil Jaranwala and Saddar for establishing a new industrial estate.

The meeting was told that hazardous industries include those operating heavy boilers, chemical manufacturing units, factories generating dangerous waste, units emitting toxic smoke or excessive noise, and industries dealing with flammable or sensitive materials. The convener said the relocation plan is crucial for ensuring a safe and clean urban environment.

He emphasised the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to develop comprehensive recommendations so the project can be implemented effectively on a voluntary basis. Committee members and departmental officers shared their proposals.

LIFE TERM: Nankana Sahib Additional District and Sessions Judge Ahmad Mujahid Sherdil Cheema on Monday handed down life imprisonment to four people in a murder case.

A police spokesperson said in 2023, convicts Zuhaib, Allah Tawakkal, Munir and Ali Ahmad had attacked and shot dead a youth, Rai Ibne Farooq, and injured his brother, Rai Ibne Hassan, over a farmland ownership dispute in Mouza Jhanghar Hakimwala.

COMPENSATION: The widow and son of a powerloom factory worker were given a compensation cheque of Rs500,000 on Monday by Labour Welfare Department Assistant Director Qamar Abbas Warraich on behalf of the factory owner.

Worker Ali Hussain was electrocuted during work a year ago at the factory located on Waryam Road, Toba. After his death, workers had staged a protest, following which Warraich assured them that the factory owner would be directed to pay compensation.

ACCIDENTS: In a head-on collision between a truck and a tractor-trolley near Sooker Canal on Mor Khunda-Lahore Road in Nankana Sahib on Monday, one man died and two others were critically injured.

Rescue 1122 reported that the deceased was identified as Shahbaz, while the injured Subhan and Zulqurnain were shifted to the DHQ Hospital.

In Jhang, near Maluana Mor on Bhakkar Road, a speeding truck ran over a motorcycle, killing Muhammad Farooq on the spot and seriously injuring his pillion rider, Ajmal Khan, who was shifted to the DHQ Hospital.

DROWNS: In Gojra, a minor girl drowned in a watercourse at Chak 352 JB. Police said the deceased, Nasreen (2), daughter of farmer Noor Ahmad, was playing near the watercourse when she slipped and drowned.

SHOT DEAD: A man who attempted to reconcile two rival groups was shot dead at Chak 265 RB when he tried to stop them from scuffling.

Police said Muhammad Umar urged the groups, led by Qasim and Waheed Gujjar, to resolve their dispute.

During the exchange, Qasim opened fire on Waheed Gujjar, but the shot hit Umar instead, critically injuring him.

He was shifted to Allied Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026