LAHORE: Following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is preparing to implement a permanent and well-resourced cleanliness initiative across all public hospitals in the province.
This decision was formalised during a meeting chaired by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique on Saturday. Officials also reviewed significant advancements in the province’s waste-to-value energy programme. The Additional Director General of the Suthra Punjab Authority was also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasised the need for permanent and effective cleaning arrangements in public hospitals throughout Punjab. “The Chief Minister has ordered that wards, walkways, lawns, and washrooms in hospitals be kept clean; additional resources will be allocated for this purpose.” He has also directed the Suthra Punjab Authority to develop a comprehensive plan.
The meeting also assessed the progress of the waste-to-value programme, noting that pilot projects are currently underway in Lakhodder (Lahore), Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Sheikhupura. Additionally, non-landfill waste disposal production is being conducted in Dera Ghazi Khan and Chakwal. “The study cases involving university scholars, in cooperation with the Suthra Punjab Authority, are in the final stages. We will advance work on waste utilisation according to expert recommendations,” he added.
He expressed his commitment to implementing biogas, fertiliser, and other energy projects, ensuring that the collected waste is utilised effectively. A biogas production unit is currently operating on an experimental basis in Lahore.
The meeting also reviewed the performance of the Suthra Punjab agencies, with the Additional Director General providing a briefing. Rafique noted that establishing agencies at the district level has strengthened grassroots monitoring systems. He directed the district managing directors of Suthra Punjab agencies to submit performance reports.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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