Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has launched a province wide operation against illegal industrial units operating in residential areas, following the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
As part of the campaign, the Environmental Protection Department carried out a major operation in Chiniot against a leather processing unit accused of creating environmental pollution and causing serious inconvenience to residents. During the operation, officials demolished an illegal tannery and a warehouse being used for storing animal hides in a residential locality.
According to officials, the unit was involved in hide processing and leather manufacturing activities, which produced foul odours and unhealthy environmental conditions. Residents of the area had repeatedly complained that the pollution from the facility was affecting their daily lives and creating health and hygiene problems, particularly for children, women and elderly people.
Local residents welcomed the government’s action and said the illegal industrial activity had made living conditions difficult in the neighbourhood for a long time. They appreciated the intervention of the authorities and called for continued action against similar units operating unlawfully in residential areas.
Officials said the operation in Chiniot is part of a broader enforcement drive being carried out across Punjab against environmental violations and illegal industrial activities. The campaign will target units that are operating without permission and those responsible for air pollution, waste burning and other harmful practices.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said industrial activities are not allowed in residential neighbourhoods and warned that strict action would be taken against illegal tanneries, slaughterhouses, plastic-burning units, waste burning operations and crop residue burning.
She said the government would show no leniency toward environmental offenders and urged citizens and business owners to comply with environmental laws. She added that the crackdown against polluters would continue across the province to protect public health and improve the environment.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also said Punjab’s air quality had improved over the past two years due to the government’s environmental policies, monitoring and enforcement measures. She said the provincial government remains committed to controlling pollution and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for citizens.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore High Court has decided to install solar systems in session courts buildings and other subordinate courts across Lahore in an effort to ensure that judicial work continues without interruption despite power outages and electricity disruptions.
According to officials, each court will be equipped with a 4-kilowatt solar system under the project. The initiative is aimed at providing a reliable power backup to courtrooms and related judicial offices so that hearings, case proceedings and other administrative matters are not affected by load-shedding or sudden electricity breakdowns.
Court sources said uninterrupted electricity supply is essential for the smooth functioning of the judicial system, particularly as court proceedings increasingly depend on digital systems, electronic records, communication tools and other basic office equipment. The installation of solar systems is expected to help reduce delays caused by power failures and improve the working environment for judges, lawyers, court staff and litigants.
The project is being carried out under the supervision of the Lahore High Court administration, which has directed that work on the installation of solar systems be completed at a fast pace. Officials said the process of providing solar systems to subordinate courts is already progressing and the project is expected to be completed by August.
A total amount of Rs 186.2 million has been allocated for the installation of solar systems in subordinate courts. The funds will be used for procurement, installation and related technical work required to make the solar systems operational.
The move is also being seen as part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure in the lower judiciary and ensure that courts are able to function efficiently without depending entirely on the conventional electricity supply. Officials said the solar project will not only help maintain continuity in judicial proceedings but may also contribute to reducing electricity costs over time.
Once completed, the project is expected to provide a more stable and sustainable power solution for subordinate courts in Lahore, helping the justice system operate more smoothly and reducing inconvenience for litigants whose cases are often affected by administrative or technical delays.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the establishment of Pakistan’s first coal based fertilizer plant under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, describing it as a game changing project for the country’s agriculture, industrial development and food security.
According to PCJCCI, the project involves an investment of $1.12 billion and is expected to increase local fertilizer production while reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported fertilizers. The chamber said the project would play an important role in strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring timely and relatively affordable fertilizer supplies for farmers, promoting industrial activity and creating new employment opportunities.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the use of local coal resources for fertilizer production was a highly significant development for Pakistan. He said the initiative would help ensure continuity in fertilizer supply, reduce import pressure and lower production costs for farmers.
He said the first coal based fertilizer plant under CPEC was not merely an industrial project but a strategic investment in Pakistan’s agricultural future. The availability of affordable and consistent fertilizer, he added, would directly support higher crop yields, strengthen food security and improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said China had achieved remarkable success in agricultural modernization, offering valuable lessons for Pakistan. He said Pakistan had immense untapped potential across its diverse agro-climatic zones, which could be utilized through modern irrigation, smart farming and improved cultivation practices.
He said dryland farming could be promoted through modern technology, while the Indus Delta region could benefit from Chinese models of integrated rice and fish farming. He added that modern Chinese techniques, particularly water-based cultivation systems, could also be adopted in Sindh’s coastal areas and small islands to increase agricultural output despite environmental and water-related challenges.
PCJCCI Vice President Amir Ali said the coal-based fertilizer plant would not be limited to fertilizer production but would also serve as a foundation for broader agricultural reforms and modernization. He said China’s expertise in agricultural mechanization, smart farming, aquaculture and agro-industrial development could help Pakistan fully utilize the potential of its agriculture and blue economy sectors.
Chamber officials said the project reflected how Chinese investment could contribute effectively to Pakistan’s long-term development goals, food security, industrial expansion and sustainable agricultural growth.