According to the townspeople, something is constantly smoking on the factory premises. Residents are asking the relevant authorities to check whether the filters mentioned earlier have been installed.
As reported by the presidential representative's office in the Chui region in January 2026, in order to verify compliance with legal requirements, the leadership of the presidential representative's office in the Chui region conducted an additional inspection of the activities of the metal processing enterprise located in the city of Shopokov.
“Despite previously issued orders and prohibitions, the enterprise continued its production activities. During a surprise inspection conducted on January 8 at the request of the representative by specialized experts, it was found that the factory was operational, and unpleasant odors and air pollution were recorded in the area. The fact that the enterprise continued to operate in violation of previously given instructions was confirmed on site. In connection with the identified violations, employees of the Sokuluk district police were involved in the inspection.
The representative Azamat Osmonov emphasized the inadmissibility of ignoring the requirements of state authorities and ordered the suspension of the enterprise's activities until its operations are fully brought into compliance with established environmental, sanitary, and technical standards applicable to metal processing plants. Resumption of activities is possible only after all identified violations are rectified and relevant conclusions from the authorized bodies are obtained. The progress of the execution of the orders is under the personal control of the presidential representative in the Chui region, - the representative's office informed.
The activities of the factory have long caused dissatisfaction among the residents of Shopokov. Residents complain about round-the-clock noise, unpleasant odors, and smoke, believing that the enterprise is located too close to residential buildings. In this regard, a district commission was created, and the issue was raised at the level of the Jogorku Kenesh.
The factory has been repeatedly inspected by state authorities. In 2024-2025, the enterprise was fined for violations of urban planning, environmental, and water requirements, and was also required to suspend the activities of certain facilities. Monitoring of the situation continues, and further measures will be taken based on the results of inspections.
The Ministry of Construction reported that the construction of a warehouse for finished products (measuring 42×17 meters) and the reconstruction of the foundry shop were carried out without the necessary project and permit documents.
Administrative measures were applied to the company, and a fine of 400,000 soms was imposed. Due to non-payment of the fine within the established period, an additional penalty of 400,000 soms was accrued. As a result, the total amount reached 800,000 soms.
Turmush also reported that an explosion occurred in the melting furnace at the metallurgical plant of LLC "LAHORE STEEL MILLS". According to eyewitnesses, up to five explosions were heard, the factory area was engulfed in smoke, and emissions occurred into the atmosphere. There were no casualties or injuries.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the incident occurred on November 13, 2024, during a trial run of the equipment. A fire covering an area of about 80 square meters was completely extinguished.
The Ministry of Ecology reported that the equipment was being launched after the factory's operations were suspended by the ecological and technical inspection's order. An investigation has been initiated to assess compliance with environmental and technical requirements. The management of the enterprise acknowledged responsibility and stated that there were no injuries.
Additionally, the management of LLC "Lahore Steel Mills" has previously been involved in scandals. In June 2013, the company's leaders — citizens of Pakistan — were caught red-handed while attempting to bribe an employee of the Anti-Corruption Service of the GKNB with $1,500 to influence the outcome of a tax audit.
The official results of the investigation have not been announced.
In April 2025, the enterprise was fined for illegal use of groundwater: the factory had been operating two wells without licenses and water accounting for 13 years, failing to make mandatory payments.
In September 2025, Jogorku Kenesh deputy Venera Raimbachaeva publicly voiced the complaints of Shopokov residents, stating that the factory's activities do not comply with environmental requirements and disturb the peace of the townspeople.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the head of LLC "LAHORE STEEL MILLS" is Nazir Asim Ahmad Nazir, with founders Iqbal Javed, Hussain Sarfraz, and Majed Amir (all of whom are citizens of Pakistan).
The main activity is metal processing and coating application on metals. The enterprise was registered on May 27, 2011, and underwent re-registration on October 24, 2011.
The investors are citizens of Pakistan. In 2011, on an area of 4.2 hectares (previously belonging to a sugar factory), they launched a metal processing enterprise.
