Faisalabad: The Metropolitan Corporation (MC) Faisalabad has unveiled a major urban regeneration project to revamp the city’s colonial-era eight bazaars surrounding the historic Clock Tower, locally known as the Manchester of Pakistan.
The initiative aims to transform the bazaars into modern pedestrian-friendly zones under a “walk, shop and eat” concept, aligning with international urban development practices. Katchery Bazaar has been selected as the pilot site for the project.
Chief Officer MC Murtaza Malik said the facelift will include a central green belt with benches, greenery, and water features, dedicated footpaths, uniform shop fronts, and standardized signage. Facades of historical and existing buildings will be upgraded while conserving the original architectural character, with support from the Archaeology Department.
The project will ensure traffic-free streets within the bazaars, with electric shuttle cars facilitating internal mobility. Parking plazas are also being planned nearby to support visitors.
Following the completion of Katchery Bazaar, work will proceed gradually on Jhang Bazaar and other sites to minimize disruption to traders and businesses.
Malik added that the project will make Faisalabad among the first cities in Punjab to implement a fully walkable, modern shopping experience in its historic commercial hubs.
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