(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Mian Iftikhar Ahmad)
Faisalabad: US Consul General Stetson Sanders called on Commissioner Faisalabad Raja Jahangir Anwar at the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner, who is also Administrator Municipal Corporation Faisalabad, warmly welcomed the US Consul General on his visit to the city and extended best wishes. Matters of mutual interest, development projects, economic significance, education, agriculture, industry and environmental initiatives were discussed in detail during the meeting.
The Commissioner briefed the US Consul General that Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third-largest city, widely known as the Manchester of Pakistan, and its textile and garment products are in demand across the world. Highlighting the agricultural importance of the region, he said that against the target of 1.85 million acres, wheat was cultivated on more than 1.9 million acres in Faisalabad Division during the current season.
Emphasizing the promotion of bilateral cultural ties, the Commissioner stated that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, thousands of students from across Pakistan as well as foreign countries are receiving higher education on scholarships in Faisalabad’s universities. He also referred to the devastating floods six months ago that affected more than 500 villages in Jhang and Chiniot districts, and said that rehabilitation of flood victims, restoration of infrastructure and provision of relief packages were major challenges that were successfully addressed.
The Commissioner informed that as Administrator Municipal Corporation, nonstop efforts are underway to ensure speedy delivery of municipal services, including repair and rehabilitation of roads, upgradation of the sewerage system, activation of streetlights, beautification initiatives and renovation of parks. He also highlighted emergency measures to curb environmental pollution, including the establishment of a District Industrial Relocation Committee to shift air, noise and wastewater-generating industries out of the city to designated industrial zones in consultation with traders and industrialists. He briefed about ongoing surveys by private companies to assess the capacity of industrial boilers and pressure vessels.
The meeting was further briefed on progress of foreign-funded drinking water and wastewater treatment plant projects, traffic management measures, fuel testing through the fuel testing laboratory at petrol stations, and steps to convert the transport system to electric mode. The Commissioner said that the Punjab government has provided seeders to farmers on heavy subsidy, resulting in a significant reduction in incidents of crop residue burning, along with continued awareness campaigns at farmers’ doorsteps.
He added that 41 foreign industries are currently operating in Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company, including 33 Chinese industries. Stressing the need to enhance exports, promote modern skills and strengthen research and development institutions, the Commissioner underlined the importance of cooperation and partnership with the United States.
The Commissioner also briefed the US Consul General on the overall law and order situation in the division, and informed him about the successful revival of international cricket in Faisalabad after 17 years, with three One Day Internationals played between Pakistan and South Africa. He further apprised him of various initiatives being implemented in accordance with the directives of the Punjab government.
US Consul General Stetson Sanders said that this was his first visit to Faisalabad and described the city as rapidly progressing. He asked questions related to different sectors, expressed his intention to visit Faisalabad again soon to further discuss issues and obtain feedback, and thanked the Commissioner Faisalabad for the warm hospitality. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Commissioner presented a commemorative shield to the US Consul General.
