Pakistan shuts 12 poultry feed factories over pollution violations

PAKISTAN – Authorities in Pakistan’s Haripur District have sealed 12 poultry feed factories following complaints from residents over foul odours and air pollution, as regulators intensify enforcement of environmental standards in the country’s feed manufacturing sector.

The closures were carried out by the district administration, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Department, after inspections reportedly uncovered multiple environmental and sanitation violations at facilities in Haripur’s Industrial Estate.

According to district officials, the factories were cited for environmental pollution, poor sanitary conditions, improper disposal of industrial waste and wastewater, and suspected breaches of labour regulations.

Authorities also instructed police to initiate legal proceedings over the alleged illegal transportation and disposal of poultry waste linked to the affected facilities.

The district administration said the action forms part of broader efforts to improve environmental compliance in industrial operations while protecting surrounding communities from pollution associated with manufacturing.

Officials warned that additional enforcement measures would be taken against factories that fail to comply with environmental regulations, sanitation requirements, labour laws and approved waste management practices.

The administration also urged other industries operating within the industrial estate to review their environmental management systems and ensure compliance with existing regulations to avoid similar penalties.

The poultry feed industry plays a critical role in supporting Pakistan’s expanding poultry sector, supplying feed to one of the country’s largest livestock industries. 

However, feed manufacturing can generate significant environmental challenges if waste, wastewater and by-products are not properly managed.

Environmental regulators have increasingly focused on ensuring feed mills adopt responsible waste disposal practices, odor control systems and wastewater treatment to minimise their impact on nearby communities.

The latest enforcement action highlights growing pressure on feed manufacturers to balance production with environmental stewardship as governments strengthen oversight of industrial pollution.

While authorities did not disclose when the factories may be allowed to resume operations, officials indicated that compliance with environmental, sanitation and labour requirements would be necessary before any restrictions are lifted.

The district administration said inspections and enforcement against environmental violations at industrial facilities would continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve public health, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.

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