Islamabad, July 21, 2025: The Punjab government has rolled out a groundbreaking expansion of its Suthra Punjab Program, setting the stage for a clean energy future through advanced waste recycling initiatives. At the heart of the program is a bold plan to transform Lahore’s Lakhodare landfill — once an environmental hazard — into a hub for biogas energy and carbon credit trading.
According to officials, the revamped Lakhodare site is projected to produce over 20 tons of biogas daily, unlocking an annual potential of Rs. 1 billion through carbon credit sales, in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This innovative shift not only addresses Punjab’s waste crisis but also aims to turn landfills into profitable green assets.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, brought together key stakeholders including Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, senior government officials, and LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Din. Multiple proposals were tabled to scale up solid waste management, including a pioneering initiative to convert animal waste into energy, with Lahore capable of generating 1,000 tonnes of energy from this source alone.
The program is also looking to establish a recycling park near Lahore, offering investment-ready infrastructure for local and international firms eager to tap into Pakistan’s growing green economy. To further attract global interest, the government plans to host an international waste recycling roadshow in Lahore or Islamabad, extending invitations to diplomats, investors, and environmental experts.
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Minister Rafiq emphasized the broader vision: “This is not just about cleanliness. It’s about reshaping our economy, protecting the environment, and positioning Punjab as a leader in renewable energy and sustainable development.”
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As part of the broader Clean Punjab initiative, efforts are underway to collect and process thousands of tons of waste daily. A proposal for a 50MW waste-to-energy power plant, in collaboration with the Punjab Energy Department, is currently in development. Officials stress that once proven in Lahore, the model will be scaled across major cities including Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
