Lahore Division

LAHORE: Renews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems is essential for future generations, emphasizing that safeguarding biodiversity is a shared responsibility and a key element of sustainable environmental management.
In her message on World Wildlife Day, the chief minister highlighted the provincial government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening conservation efforts, improving the management of protected areas, and promoting environmentally responsible tourism across the province.
She noted that regulatory reforms have been introduced through amendments to the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974 and the Protected Areas Act to curb illegal hunting and unauthorized possession of wild animals. To facilitate public reporting and ensure prompt action against violations, the Wildlife Helpline 1107 has been made fully operational across Punjab.
The chief minister also underscored the government’s push toward digitisation, stating that online services have been launched for shooting licences, import and export permits, hunting permits, and the registration of breeding farms, improving transparency and administrative efficiency.
Highlighting the role of modern technology, she said that an artificial intelligence-based animal census system has been introduced for the first time in the province to enhance wildlife data collection and management. Additionally, GPS and collar-tracking systems are being used to monitor rescued animals and ensure their safety within protected habitats.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen eco-tourism and public awareness through improved visitor facilities. At Lahore Safari Zoo, new attractions, including a 3D screen and themed installations, have been added, while a 7D wildlife cinema is nearing completion. Construction of Punjab’s first dedicated wildlife hospital has also reached advanced stages, where specialist veterinary doctors will provide species-specific care.
The chief minister further announced plans to establish a 360-degree virtual zoo, enabling citizens to observe wildlife through digital platforms from their homes, a step officials say will enhance public engagement while promoting conservation awareness.

Chunian: Sadaf Arshad, District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
Modern water filtration plants have been formally inaugurated in the suburban localities of Bhagoki and Budhoki in Chunian, marking a significant step toward ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for residents. The project was executed under the auspices of the Adeem Foundation, with special efforts from local philanthropists.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by community elders, social figures, and a large number of residents, who described the initiative as a vital public welfare intervention. According to organizers, groundwater in both areas had become contaminated, exposing residents to serious health risks. The lack of potable water had forced many families to travel long distances to collect water, with some reportedly facing accidents during the process.
In response to these challenges, Adeem Foundation installed modern water filtration plants equipped with updated purification systems to provide safe, drinkable water to the local population. The initiative aims to curb waterborne diseases and improve overall public health standards in the region.
Residents expressed relief and gratitude, calling the availability of clean water a transformative development for their communities. Civil society representatives and local notables lauded the foundation’s efforts and expressed hope that such humanitarian initiatives would continue to benefit underprivileged and underserved populations.
Observers note that access to safe drinking water remains a critical issue in many rural and semi-urban areas, and the installation of filtration plants in Bhagoki and Budhoki represents a meaningful step toward addressing long-standing public health and infrastructure gaps.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
A fact-finding study by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has revealed serious shortcomings in the design and delivery of water, sewerage, and drainage services in Lahore, raising concerns over citizens’ fundamental human rights.
The report titled “Urban exclusion in access to water and sanitation in Lahore” identifies fragmented governance, lack of coordinated planning, and conflicting departmental priorities as major hurdles in delivering equitable and rights-based services. The absence of a fully empowered local government has further weakened accountability, oversight, and citizen representation in municipal affairs.
Rapid urbanisation, unregulated development, and poor maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure have intensified the challenges. The HRCP study emphasizes that access to safe water and sanitation is essential for fundamental rights including health, housing, and security. It highlights the increased vulnerability of marginalized communities, noting that transgender persons frequently face denial of access to washrooms in government buildings, while individuals with disabilities encounter a complete lack of accessible facilities.
The report also points to climate change as a key factor affecting water systems, with altered rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures impacting urban drainage and sewerage networks.
Recommendations include legislating the human right to water and sanitation, improving access in informal and low-income settlements, ensuring inclusive sanitation facilities, reducing water wastage, protecting sanitation workers, and promoting community-based complaint mechanisms. The study also advocates for water-sensitive urban planning that balances ecological sustainability with supply targets.
In response, WASA Lahore Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad disputed the findings, citing local environmental standards and existing initiatives. He noted that arsenic levels in Lahore’s water range between 20-25 ug/L, below the national safe limit of 50 ug/L, and emphasized ongoing projects for drainage improvement, rainwater harvesting, and replacement of aging sewerage lines under the Lahore Development Programme.
The study raises critical questions for policymakers and service providers about equitable access, sustainability, and accountability in Lahore’s water and sanitation sector, highlighting the intersection of human rights, urban planning, and climate resilience.