According to information provided by the presidential representative's office in the Chui region in January 2026, an additional inspection of the plant was conducted to verify compliance with legislation. During the inspection, it was found that despite previously issued directives, the plant continued its operations, causing complaints about unpleasant odors and dust in the air. As a result, officers from the Sokuluk district police department were involved in the inspection.
Authorized representative Azamat Osmonov emphasized that ignoring the requirements of government bodies is unacceptable and ordered the temporary suspension of the plant's activities until all violations are rectified and environmental and sanitary standards are met. Resumption of operations is possible only after obtaining the necessary conclusions from the authorized bodies. The progress of these directives is under the personal control of the presidential representative.
The plant's activities have been causing discontent among local residents for quite some time. Citizens report constant noise, unpleasant odors, and smoke, as the facility is located too close to residential areas. In response to these complaints, a commission was created, and issues were raised at the level of the Jogorku Kenesh.
Government bodies have already conducted inspections of the plant several times. In 2024 and 2025, the facility was fined for violations of urban planning, environmental, and water regulations, and it was ordered to suspend the operations of certain facilities. Monitoring of the situation continues, and further measures will be taken based on the results of the inspections.
The Ministry of Construction previously reported that the construction of a finished goods warehouse and the reconstruction of the foundry shop were carried out without the necessary design and permit documents. In response to this, administrative measures were applied to the company, and a fine of 400,000 soms was imposed. Since the fine was not paid on time, a penalty was applied, increasing the total amount to 800,000 soms.
Additionally, an explosion occurred in the smelting furnace, which was recorded on November 13, 2024, during a trial run of the equipment. According to eyewitnesses, there were several explosions at the plant, and the area was shrouded in smoke; however, there were no casualties. The Ministry of Natural Resources stated that the equipment was launched after a temporary suspension of the plant's operations was ordered by the inspection.
The plant management acknowledged their responsibility and noted the absence of casualties. The company has previously been involved in scandals. In 2013, its leaders, citizens of Pakistan, were detained for attempting to bribe an employee of the Anti-Corruption Service.
In April 2025, the plant was fined for illegal use of underground water, as it had operated two wells without licenses for 13 years. In September 2025, deputy Venera Raimbachaeva voiced residents' complaints, emphasizing that the plant's activities violate environmental standards and disturb the peace of local residents.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the head 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 plant was registered on May 27, 2011, and began its operations on an area of 4.2 hectares, previously owned by a sugar factory.
