Faisalabad’s iconic intersections are witnessing a major makeover, but not without controversy. Acting under the Punjab government’s city beautification plan, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has started installing decorative monuments across key roundabouts and green belts.
While the campaign is meant to promote civic pride and environmental awareness, it has instead sparked public criticism over the large-scale cutting of trees and shrinking of green spaces.
PHA Director Engineering Hassaan Ahmad said the initiative is part of a province-wide directive that includes revamping Faisalabad’s famous Clock Tower intersection and its eight bazaars. Among the new additions are a book-and-pen replica opposite the Agricultural University on Jail Road, flag-bearing soldier statues at Chenab Chowk, and a gazebo-like iron structure at Station Chowk. Similar installations are planned for Satiana Road’s Gateaan Wala Chowk and Allied Mor on Sargodha Road.
Responding to concerns about the lack of historical references to the region’s Sandal Bar heritage, Ahmad assured that future projects would incorporate local history and greenery into their designs.
However, critics argue the PHA has strayed from its primary mission of maintaining green areas. Aslam Bhalli, former senior vice president of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce, accused the authority of prioritizing outdoor advertisements and concrete structures over parks and trees.
“Instead of preserving greenery, they are cutting down decades-old banyan, neem, and sheesham trees. From Saleemi Chowk to Jhall Bridge, stone has replaced what was once lush green,” Bhalli said, questioning the need to remove vibrant roundabouts that provided natural shade and beauty.
