FAISALABAD:
With onset of New Year, the district and divisional administration has outlined developments undertaken over the past year and plans for the months ahead, including the inauguration of an Rs81 billion metro bus project later this month.
Speaking to a group of journalists, Faisalabad Division Commissioner and Administrator Municipal Corporation Raja Jehangir Anwar said 2025 posed several administrative challenges, particularly due to flooding in June that affected large parts of the division.
He pointed out that around 550 villages across Faisalabad Division were impacted, with Chiniot and Jhang among the worst-hit districts.
Pir Mahal, Kamalia and Tandlianwala tehsils also reported damage.
The floods originated mainly from the Chenab and Ravi rivers, with some contribution from the Jhelum near Jhang.
He said the flooding caused losses to crops, livestock and human life. However, timely evacuation and rescue operations were carried out, followed by rehabilitation efforts.
About 90% of monetary compensation has been disbursed through the Bank of Punjab under a verification-based system, while surveys and remaining payments are still in progress.
Referring to law and order, the commissioner said the administration dealt with a situation arising from activities of a proscribed organisation, requiring coordination between police, civil administration and intelligence agencies.
He said the situation was managed without major incidents.
Another major administrative task during the year was the repatriation of Afghan nationals.
He stated that around 2,000 Afghan nationals were temporarily accommodated at holding centres in Faisalabad before being repatriated in accordance with government policy.
Anwar also highlighted the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years, with matches involving Pakistan and South Africa hosted over a 12-day period.
He said security and civic arrangements were implemented as planned and the event concluded without reported incidents.
On the agriculture front, he said the division was given a wheat sowing target of 1.83 million acres, which was exceeded, with sowing completed on more than 1.9 million acres.
