Punjab Province

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The board also decided to refer cases involving cancelled or withdrawn industrial plots to a subcommittee.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.

Faisalabad | ReNews Pakistan
J.K. Spinning Mills Limited has completed the addition of eight megawatts of solar power generation capacity as part of its strategy to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and strengthen the long term sustainability of its manufacturing operations.
In a material information disclosure submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the company said the additional solar capacity would help meet its energy requirements while reducing environmental pollution. The disclosure was issued under Section 96 of the Securities Act 2015 and the relevant Pakistan Stock Exchange regulations.
The company said the strategic investment would enhance energy efficiency, generate significant cost savings and improve the long term operational sustainability of its business. The expansion forms part of its broader commitment to increasing reliance on clean and renewable energy.
J.K. Spinning Mills said it aims to reduce its carbon footprint, promote environmentally responsible operations and contribute to a more sustainable future while creating long term value for its stakeholders. The additional solar capacity is expected to reduce the company’s exposure to electricity supplied through conventional and comparatively expensive energy sources.
Textile manufacturing requires a continuous supply of electricity across spinning, weaving, processing and stitching operations. Fluctuations in energy prices and interruptions in power supply can affect production costs, export competitiveness and the timely completion of customer orders.
Against this background, expanding captive solar generation represents both an environmental initiative and a business measure intended to control operating expenses and reduce energy related risks.
In February 2026, the company’s board had approved a plan to install a 7.5 MW solar power system at an estimated cost of Rs442 million. At the time, J.K. Spinning Mills said the investment formed part of its longer term planning to lower electricity expenses and support environmentally sustainable practices.
The latest disclosure did not state the cost of the completed eight megawatt addition, its specific installation location or the company’s total solar generation capacity following the expansion. It confirmed, however, that the new capacity would be used to meet energy requirements and reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
J.K. Spinning Mills is a Pakistan Stock Exchange listed textile manufacturer engaged in the production and trading of yarn, fabrics and related textile products. Its integrated operations include spinning, weaving, processing and stitching activities. The company has previously identified renewable energy investment as an important component of its operational strategy.
The solar system will allow the manufacturer to produce a greater share of its electricity internally during daylight hours. This could reduce the amount of power purchased from the national grid, lower its average energy cost and limit the financial impact of future increases in electricity tariffs.

Energy expenditure is a major component of textile production costs. Reducing this expense can help a manufacturer manage product pricing, protect profit margins and remain competitive in domestic and international markets.

Greater reliance on solar energy will also support the company’s environmental objectives. Solar generation produces no direct carbon emissions during operation, allowing J.K. Spinning Mills to reduce the carbon intensity associated with its manufacturing activities.

The expansion may also improve operational resilience by diversifying the company’s energy mix. Although solar power cannot entirely replace grid or other captive generation sources, it can provide a predictable source of electricity during daylight production hours and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

Pakistan’s textile manufacturers have increasingly invested in renewable energy as they seek to manage high electricity costs, improve supply reliability and respond to environmental requirements in international markets. The J.K. Spinning Mills project reflects this broader shift towards linking sustainability investments with measurable reductions in operating costs.

The company expects the eight megawatt addition to strengthen energy efficiency, support cost savings and provide greater stability to its manufacturing operations over the long term.

According to the PSX disclosure, the investment is ultimately intended to expand the use of clean energy while generating sustainable, long term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.