Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has made it mandatory to establish green buffer zones around all industrial areas across the province as part of a major initiative to control industrial pollution and provide citizens with a cleaner environment.
According to directives issued by Punjab Environmental Protection Department Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, plantation-based buffer zones will be developed around all industrial estates and industrial zones to reduce the impact of smoke, dust and hazardous gases emitted by factories.
A modern Geographic Information System, or GIS, will also be introduced under the initiative. GIS is an advanced technology used to collect, store, analyse and present geographic and spatial data in the form of maps. By linking detailed information with specific physical locations, the system enables authorities to identify and analyse patterns, relationships and trends more effectively.
The measure has been introduced under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, with the objective of reducing industrial pollution, protecting the environment and addressing risks to public health.
The Environmental Protection Department said industrial pollution had become a serious challenge for both public health and the environment. It warned that strict legal action would be taken against organisations found violating environmental laws.
Under the directives, institutions that fail to carry out plantation in industrial areas will be held accountable. The cutting of trees without prior approval will be completely prohibited, while action will also be taken against individuals or entities encroaching upon or damaging green belts.
The department has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of the directives through effective field monitoring.
The GIS Department has also been assigned responsibility for mapping and monitoring industrial areas to support the planning and effective management of green buffer zones.
Officials said the initiative would help establish a better balance between industrial development, environmental protection and public health.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government has taken a major step towards establishing the Maryam Nawaz Sports City in Lahore by approving a feasibility study for the project. The initiative aims to provide international standard sports facilities in the province and develop a modern sports complex of global standing.
According to the proposed plan, the sports city will be developed over approximately 300 acres in Lahore. The feasibility study will assess the estimated cost, financial sustainability, environmental impact, technical requirements and other key aspects of the project to support an effective and well informed decision regarding its implementation.
A detailed survey of the proposed site will also be conducted. The assessment will examine land availability, accessibility, geographical conditions, possible traffic impact, geotechnical investigations, utility systems, environmental concerns and social implications.
Under the proposed master plan, the sports city will include a multipurpose outdoor stadium, a multisport indoor complex, an Olympic standard swimming arena, a velodrome, a squash arena, lawn tennis courts, padel tennis courts and futsal facilities.
The project will also feature an archery complex, multipurpose sports grounds, a sports institute, hostels for athletes, administrative offices, commercial areas, restaurants, extensive parking facilities, a modern road network, landscaping, utility infrastructure and other public amenities.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab School Education Department has revised its building fitness certificate policy for private schools, allowing educational institutions to obtain the mandatory certificate from any engineer or engineering consultancy firm registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). The move is expected to streamline the registration process and reduce administrative delays for private schools across the province.
Under the previous policy, private schools were required to obtain building fitness certificates exclusively from the Punjab Communication and Works (C&W) Department before completing their registration. With the latest notification, schools now have the flexibility to seek certification from qualified PEC registered professionals, providing an alternative to the earlier government-only mechanism.
Despite the procedural relaxation, the department has reiterated that a building fitness certificate remains a compulsory requirement for the registration and continued operation of private educational institutions. Officials said the revised policy is intended to facilitate compliance without compromising building safety standards.
Chief Executive Officer (Education) Tariq Mahmood said that ensuring structurally safe school buildings remains a top priority for the government. He urged private school operators in Lahore and across Punjab to obtain the required fitness certificates without delay and ensure that their institutions meet all prescribed safety requirements to protect students, teachers and other staff members.
The School Education Department has also instructed all district registration authorities to implement the revised policy immediately and accept building fitness certificates issued by PEC registered civil engineers and engineering firms in accordance with the new guidelines.
The policy change is expected to provide greater convenience for private schools while preserving regulatory oversight and reinforcing the government's commitment to safe educational infrastructure throughout Punjab.