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.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Acting on the directives of Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing carried out a large-scale enforcement operation against illegal commercial activities and commercial fee defaulters in various LDA-controlled areas of Lahore, sealing a total of 112 properties.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner I Asad uz Zaman and covered several major localities, including Gulberg, Faisal Town, Samanabad, Gujjarpura, Poonch Road and Allama Iqbal Town.
According to the LDA, 28 properties in Gulberg and Faisal Town were sealed for the unauthorised commercial use of residential buildings. In Samanabad, Gujjarpura and Poonch Road, enforcement teams sealed 69 properties over illegal commercial use and the non-payment of commercialisation fees.
Meanwhile, during a separate recovery operation in Allama Iqbal Town, the authority sealed 15 additional properties belonging to commercial fee defaulters.
The sealed premises included a wide range of businesses and establishments, such as private schools, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail shops, car showrooms, offices and other commercial facilities operating in violation of LDA regulations.
The Lahore Development Authority stated that the ongoing campaign is part of its efforts to curb illegal commercialisation, improve urban planning compliance and ensure that all commercial property owners fulfil their legal obligations, including the payment of commercialisation charges.
Director General Tahir Farooq reaffirmed that indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters will continue across all LDA-controlled areas, stressing that no violations of planning regulations would be tolerated regardless of the nature of the business or its location.