Lahore Steel Mills Factory Stopped Due to Violations. Sokuluk District Police Department Involved in the Inspection
According to information provided by the presidential representative in the Chui region, an inspection was conducted to assess compliance with legislation at the enterprise. During this inspection, initiated to evaluate the implementation of previously issued directives, specialists discovered that the plant continued to operate despite existing bans.
“Despite the directives, the plant did not cease its operations. As a result of a sudden inspection conducted on January 8, it was found that an unpleasant odor was noticeable in the area and dust pollution was observed. The plant's operations continued, which contradicts the previously established instructions. In this regard, employees of the Sokuluk District Internal Affairs Department were involved in the inspection,” the official sources reported.
The presidential representative in the Chui region, Azamat Osmonov, pointed out the inadmissibility of neglecting the requirements of government bodies. He ordered the suspension of the plant's operations until it brings its activities in line with established environmental and sanitary standards. Resumption of operations is possible only after all violations are eliminated and necessary conclusions are obtained from authorized bodies. The progress of these directives will be under Osmonov's personal control, as noted in the representative's message.
Residents of Shopokov have long expressed dissatisfaction with the plant's operations. They complain about constant noise, odors, and smoke, believing that the plant is too close to residential buildings. In response to these complaints, a district commission was created, and the issue was discussed at the level of the Jogorku Kenesh.
The plant had previously been subjected to inspections by government structures. In 2024 and 2025, it was fined for violations of urban planning, environmental, and water regulations, and some facilities were forced to suspend operations. Monitoring of the situation continues, and further measures will be taken based on the results of inspections.
The Ministry of Construction reported that construction work on a warehouse for finished products and the reconstruction of the foundry shop was carried out without the necessary design and permitting documents.
Administrative measures were taken against the company, resulting in a fine of 400,000 soms. Since the fine was not paid on time, an additional penalty of 400,000 soms was imposed, bringing the total amount to 800,000 soms.
Turmush also reported that an explosion occurred in the melting furnace at the "LAHORE STEEL MILLS" plant. Witnesses claimed to have heard up to five explosions, and smoke enveloped the plant's territory. Fortunately, there were no 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 Natural Resources reported that the equipment was launched after the plant's operations were suspended by the environmental and technical inspection's directive. An investigation is underway to assess compliance with environmental and technical requirements. The plant's management acknowledged its responsibility and confirmed that there were no injuries.
Additionally, the management of "Lahore Steel Mills" has already been involved in scandals. In June 2013, they were caught red-handed attempting to bribe an employee of the Anti-Corruption Service of the GKNB with $1,500 to influence the results of a tax audit.
The official results of the investigation have not yet been made public.
In April 2025, the plant was fined for illegal use of underground water: for 13 years, it operated two wells without licenses and water accounting, failing to make mandatory payments.
In September 2025, Jogorku Kenesh deputy Venera Raimbachaeva publicly voiced complaints from Shopokov residents, stating that the plant's operations do not meet environmental standards and disturb the peace of the city residents.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the director of LLC "LAHORE STEEL MILLS" is Nazir Asim Ahmad Nazir, and the founders are Iqbal Javed, Hussain Sarfraz, and Majed Amir, all of whom are citizens of Pakistan.
The main area of activity is metal processing and coating. The plant was registered on May 27, 2011, and underwent re-registration on October 24, 2011.
The investors of the plant are citizens of Pakistan. In 2011, they launched production on a 4.2-hectare site that previously belonged to a sugar factory.
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