Punjab may adopt waste-to-energy models adopted by China, Japan

LAHORE: The Suthra Punjab Authority is considering adopting the waste-to-energy models used in China and Japan as part of its ‘Suthra Punjab waste-to-energy’ initiative.

On Monday, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique directed the Authority to submit a plan for this initiative, emphasising the idea of using waste as a resource rather than viewing it as a problem.

During a meeting with the Suthra Punjab Authority which included Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretaries Asia Gul and Arshad Baig, Suthra Punjab Authority Director General Babar Sahib Din, and Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi, the Minister highlighted ongoing discussions with Suzuki Company regarding biofuel production from waste.

Rafique noted that the shift in administrative supervision from division to district level under the Authority is expected to yield positive outcomes. “An agency is being established in every district under the Suthra Punjab Authority,” he added.

He remarked that in just a few months, Punjab has established one of the world’s largest sanitation systems. “With the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Suthra Punjab is growing stronger every day. The establishment of the Authority at the provincial level will streamline the decision-making process and enhance public service delivery,” he stated.

Rafique expressed excitement over the world’s growing recognition of Suthra Punjab as a unique model. He mentioned that a recent report by a Gulf newspaper recognized the Suthra Punjab network, adding to accolades from Forbes, Bloomberg, and BBC, which have also described Suthra Punjab as a game changer.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026