Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh orders strict measures against crop residue burning; tasks assigned to Numberdars to combat smog

Faisalabad 13 Oct 2026 (DIGITAL ITLA): Commissioner Faisalabad Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh has issued stern warnings and directives against burning crop residues, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy to protect the environment and combat smog across the division.

Chairing a high-level briefing on anti-smog operations at the Directorate of Agriculture (Extension), the Commissioner ordered that Numberdars in every village be assigned specific administrative tasks to utilize mosque announcements and awareness campaigns, urging farmers to refrain from burning paddy stubble and crop remains. Director Agriculture (Extension) Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood, Deputy Director Hafiz Adeel, and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh directed that written pledges against burning crop residues must be secured from farmers to ensure comprehensive deterrence. He also instructed authorities to tighten surveillance and inspections along motorway limits, initiating immediate legal action against violators. Demonstrating grassroots engagement, the Commissioner administered anti-burning pledges to farmers at the agriculture facility and strongly advocated for the widespread use of superseeders.

Earlier, Commissioner Faisalabad visited the Biological Control Lab, where he inspected the mass production process of farmer-friendly beneficial insects, including Trichogramma and Chrysoperla carnea. The Director of Agriculture briefed the Commissioner on how biological control methods successfully eradicate destructive crop pests, ensuring healthier yields and long-term agricultural prosperity for local farmers.