Punjab Govt, Denmark Agree to Enhance Cooperation in Green Initiatives, Waste-to-Energy

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Punjab government and Denmark have agreed to enhance cooperation in green initiatives and waste-to-energy projects aimed at environmental protection. The development came during a meeting between Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Maja Mortensen and Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique.
Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian and a delegation of Danish investors also attended the meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat. During the discussions, both sides agreed to continue bilateral engagement on environmental projects, while talks were also held regarding the production of Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) and organic products.
Ambassador Maja Mortensen congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on the launch and progress of the “Suthra Punjab” program, stating that Denmark places strong emphasis on environmentally friendly initiatives.
She said Denmark is reviewing cooperation opportunities in Punjab’s Waste-to-Value program.
Minister Zeeshan Rafique said that Suthra Punjab had emerged as one of the world’s largest sanitation programs. He noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision regarding environmental protection is clear and focused on sustainable development.
He stated that under the Suthra Punjab initiative, around 11.6 million tons of waste had been disposed of across the province. He added that work on the waste-to-value phase had already begun under the directives of the chief minister, with pilot projects launched in Lahore, DG Khan and Chakwal.
The minister further said that plans were also being developed for feedstock production alongside biogas generation.
Zeeshan Rafique informed the delegation that 150 landfill sites, including the Lakhodair landfill site in Lahore, had been established under the Suthra Punjab program.
“Concrete steps are being taken to transform waste into an economic opportunity,” he said.
Ambassador Maja Mortensen expressed satisfaction over bilateral cooperation, remarking that waste should not merely be viewed as garbage but as a significant source of energy.
She stressed that reducing dependence on fossil fuels was essential for environmental protection.
The Danish envoy also expressed interest in visiting Lahore again to meet Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and inspect the landfill facilities.
“There is immense potential for waste-to-energy projects under Suthra Punjab,” she observed.
Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian said that approximately 6,000 tons of waste are collected daily at the Lakhodair site. He emphasized Punjab’s desire to benefit from Denmark’s expertise in waste segregation and expand cooperation on the green agenda.
During the meeting, both sides also agreed to prepare a concept paper and conduct a joint feasibility study. Danish investor Per Cederberg expressed interest in establishing a biofuel plant in Lahore.