By Muhammad Saleem
LAHORE, Oct 19 (Wealth Pakistan): Deteriorating environmental conditions have raised alarms for Lahore’s food and textile industries, which rely heavily on coal and other traditional fuels in their production processes. Officials have warned that businesses continuing to contribute to pollution will face strict action.
Industries Struggle to Balance Costs and Compliance
Shafaqat Ali, a weaving unit owner, told Wealth Pakistan that many small and medium textile factories have no choice but to depend on coal and outdated boilers due to high energy costs and limited gas supply.
He said switching to cleaner energy requires large investments that are unaffordable for small businesses already burdened by inflation, high operational expenses, and declining exports.
“We want to go green and align our businesses with environmental standards, but we need government support and financial incentives to make it possible,” he said.
Units Warned Against Smoke Emissions
Ali explained that a yarn-sizing unit had warned him of delays after the Environment Department instructed factories to stop smoke emissions or face closure. He said most units use corn cobs, wood, or other materials to power their boilers as alternatives to costly gas.
He appealed for leniency, saying that the closure of these units could trigger mass layoffs, worsening unemployment and inflationary pressures.
Food Businesses Also Under Restrictions
Muhammad Dilawar, a hotel owner from Rehman Pura, told Wealth Pakistan that the Environment Department had directed restaurants to stop using coal for cooking. “It is impossible to prepare barbecue without coal, so we have stopped serving it,” he said.
He added that Lahore’s traditional food industry is at a crossroads as restrictions continue each winter. While many restaurants now use gas cylinders, he said the flame cannot replicate traditional barbecue cooking methods.
“As residents, we also want a clean environment, but shutting down businesses is not the right solution to tackle smog,” Dilawar remarked.
Government Tightens Monitoring and Enforcement
An officer of the Environment Department said the Punjab government is monitoring all sectors that contribute to pollution and has connected dozens of factories to an emissions-tracking system.
He warned that strict action would be taken against violators but emphasized that cooperation between businesses and regulators was essential.
“Only smarter practices, cleaner energy, and public–private collaboration can help Lahore breathe again—literally and economically,” he said.