Punjab Expands Pakistan’s First Liquid Tree Project to Combat Urban Air Pollution

Pakistan’s first EPA-certified Liquid Tree — a bio-artificial microalgae system — moves from Faisalabad to Lahore as Punjab charts a landmark course in science-driven urban environmental management.

The Announcement

The Punjab government formally decided on June 14, 2026 to expand Pakistan’s first EPA-certified Liquid Tree project. The successful pilot unit stationed in Faisalabad will be relocated to Lahore, marking the beginning of a province-wide rollout of this groundbreaking bio-artificial technology.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally announced the initiative, appreciating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), researchers, bioscientists, and technical teams for developing and certifying Pakistan’s first Liquid Tree system.

What Is a Liquid Tree?

A Liquid Tree is an advanced bio-artificial environmental system powered by living microalgae that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releases oxygen — replicating the air-purifying function of conventional trees while requiring a fraction of the physical space. The technology is especially suited for densely populated urban areas where land for traditional plantations is scarce.

For Punjab’s initiative, more than 100 species of microalgae were collected from regions spanning Karachi to Khyber — a nationwide scientific effort to identify the most effective organisms for Pakistan’s urban environment.

Installation Locations — Phase One

Initial deployments will target high-footfall locations across Lahore before expanding to other major urban centres in Punjab:

Key Environmental Benefits

Punjab’s Environmental Progress

The Liquid Tree expansion builds on Punjab’s already strong environmental record established throughout 2025. Lahore recorded a noticeable improvement in its Air Quality Index for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and Punjab emerged as the country’s top-performing province in environmental protection — achievements that now set the stage for this next phase of innovation.

A Blueprint for Pakistan’s Cities

Officials and environmental experts view the Liquid Tree initiative as more than a single project. It represents a replicable model for technology-driven urban environmental management that other provinces and cities across Pakistan can adopt. By combining biotechnology with conventional conservation strategies, Punjab is charting a course that balances innovation with practicality — and could become a cornerstone of future urban planning across Pakistan.

• Bio

Dr Sarfraz Ahmad

Experienced strategic leader and innovation-driven professional with over 21+ years of progressive leadership at national and international government, semi-government, academic, and industry organizations.