The Metropolitan Corporation Faisalabad (MCF) has started enforcing long-pending plans by officially recognizing street vendor zones in Faisalabad after more than 30 years.
The step is based on recommendations from the 1992 Master Plan and the 1997 Traffic Management Plan. These plans had suggested setting up special areas for street vendors, but they were never implemented.
Former Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) town planner Anwar Moeenuddin said the 1992 plan, prepared under then Commissioner Tasneem Noorani, proposed exclusive street vendor zones and street bazaars.
The aim was to support low-income vendors and reduce traffic problems.
He said the plan was not implemented due to a lack of funds and administrative interest. He added that traffic surveys at the time had identified more than 700 cart owners working in the city, but no action was taken.
MC Faisalabad Chief Officer Murtaza Malik said all cart vendors have been asked to submit their old carts. In return, they will receive newly designed model carts free of cost.
Vendors will be allowed to work only in government-approved model cart markets. Malik warned that after December 15, any cart found on main roads will be confiscated.
To inform vendors, awareness banners have been placed on major roads across the city.
Malik said the goal is to help vendors earn their livelihood in a safe, organized, and legal manner.
In the first phase, 220 model carts have been prepared for vendors on Satyana Road, Sheikhupura Road, Jaranwala Road, Sargodha Road, and Jhang Road. Distribution to registered vendors will be completed by January 2026.