Punjab Province

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.

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.