LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Special Economic Zone Authority Board has approved the expansion of Green Industrial Park and Sundar Green Industrial Park Special Economic Zones as part of efforts to promote environmentally sustainable industrial development across the province. The two proposals, approved at the provincial level, will now be forwarded to the federal Board of Investment in Islamabad for final approval and further legal processing. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain. The board reviewed the proposed expansion of industrial zones, the efficient use of industrial land, building regulations and cases involving plots where production units were not established within the stipulated period. Under Pakistan’s legal framework governing Special Economic Zones, provincial authorities conduct the initial scrutiny of developers’ applications before forwarding approved proposals to the federal Board of Investment, which serves as the secretariat for the Board of Approvals and the relevant approval committee. Eligible enterprises operating within Special Economic Zones may receive incentives under the law, including a one time exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported plant and machinery, as well as income tax relief for up to 10 years. The board also decided to refer cases involving cancelled or withdrawn industrial plots to a subcommittee. These plots had been allotted to investors who failed to establish industrial units within the prescribed timeframe. The subcommittee will examine each case individually and submit recommendations aimed at ensuring the transparent, lawful and productive use of industrial land. The move is considered important because plots left vacant for extended periods not only restrict opportunities for new investors but also leave valuable land designated for industrialisation, employment generation and export-oriented production underutilised. Industrial development institutions in Punjab have previously worked on policy measures for the transparent disposal of cancelled plots and their reallocation for active industrial use. The meeting also approved the submission of Punjab’s land lease policy for industrial estates to the federal Board of Investment. The policy had earlier been endorsed by the provincial cabinet. It is intended to make procedures governing the allotment, leasing, utilisation and monitoring of industrial land clearer, more transparent and investor-friendly. The board further approved the application of the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company’s building bylaws to private-sector industrial zone developers. The decision is expected to introduce uniform standards for construction, infrastructure, safety, drainage and environmental management across both publicly and privately developed industrial projects. Industrial estates and Special Economic Zones in Punjab are developed through provincial institutions including the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company, the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company and the Punjab Small Industries Corporation. According to the Punjab Industries Department, Sundar Industrial Estate in Lahore covers approximately 1,767 acres, while all 717 of its industrial plots have already been sold. The figures indicate growing demand for additional industrial land within Lahore’s southern industrial cluster. Sundar Green describes itself as a privately developed, multipurpose Special Economic Zone situated near Sundar Industrial Estate. According to the project management, the zone offers modern infrastructure as well as electricity, water, drainage and industrial waste collection facilities. It is designed to attract investment in sectors including food processing, textiles, manufacturing, electric vehicles, chemicals and packaging. Officials expect the expansion of the two industrial zones to support the establishment of new industries, attract domestic and foreign investment, create employment opportunities and encourage environmentally responsible production in Lahore and surrounding areas. However, implementation will begin only after the proposals receive final approval at the federal level and all required legal formalities are completed.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Government of Punjab, in collaboration with UNESCO, has launched a multi million dollar modernization project for the historic Lahore Museum, aiming to transform the 131 year old institution into a world-class cultural and heritage facility while preserving its priceless collections for future generations. The ambitious initiative is designed to bring the museum in line with international museum standards through the integration of modern conservation technologies, digital visitor services and major infrastructure improvements. Officials said the project reflects the provincial government's commitment to protecting Pakistan's cultural heritage while enhancing the overall visitor experience. As part of the modernization plan, the museum will introduce QR code based audio guides, interactive digital exhibition displays and a comprehensive digitization program for its extensive collection of historical artifacts. The digital transformation is expected to improve accessibility, support research and provide visitors with richer educational experiences through modern interpretation tools. The project also includes significant structural rehabilitation to safeguard the museum building and its valuable collections. Planned works include roof waterproofing, improvements to the drainage system and the installation of an upgraded climate-control system capable of maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels. These enhancements are considered essential for the long term preservation of fragile manuscripts, sculptures, paintings and other historically significant artifacts. In addition to conservation measures, the redevelopment plan features structural restoration works and the construction of a new connecting block linked to the main museum building through an underground tunnel. The expansion is expected to improve visitor movement while creating additional exhibition and operational space. The Punjab government has invited prequalification applications from contractors that meet the required Pakistan Engineering Council categories and other prescribed technical standards. According to official documents, all applications must be submitted through the Punjab government's electronic procurement system, with the deadline set for August 25, 2026. Officials believe the modernization project will strengthen Lahore Museum's position as one of South Asia's leading cultural institutions, preserving Pakistan's rich historical legacy while making it more accessible through modern technology and internationally recognized conservation practices.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has digitally inaugurated Nestlé’s biomass steam plant at its Sheikhupura factory as part of efforts to combat environmental pollution and smog across the province. The state of the art facility has been established with an investment of approximately $4.5 million. Officials said the environment friendly project would provide a sustainable alternative to the burning of crop residue and promote energy generation through the efficient use of agricultural waste. The plant will use nearly 72,000 tonnes of agricultural residue as fuel every year and has the capacity to produce 30 tonnes of steam per hour. The project is expected to generate annual fuel savings of around $2.15 million while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 24,345 tonnes per year. The biomass steam plant forms an important part of Nestlé’s environmental sustainability programme. By discouraging the open burning of crop residue, the project is expected to help improve air quality and support efforts to reduce smog. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also given a detailed briefing on Nestlé’s operations in Pakistan and its environmental initiatives. She appreciated the company’s public service and environmental efforts, describing the biomass steam plant as a notable example of circular economy practices and renewable energy development in Pakistan. The chief minister said the initiative was fully aligned with the Punjab government’s priorities of environmental protection, cleaner air and sustainable industrial development. She added that the provincial government would continue to extend full support for climate improvement initiatives and that its doors remained open to Nestlé and all other organisations working for environmental protection and sustainable development.