LAHORE: Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claimed on Friday to be the first institution of Pakistan to receive the globally recognised ISO 9001 certification, along with a no objection certificate (NOC) from a UK-accredited body.

This milestone underscores EPA’s commitment to transparent, efficient and world-class environmental governance, said a statement.

The certification was awarded by a UK-based accreditation firm after a rigorous evaluation of EPA’s operational systems, regulatory frameworks and service delivery mechanisms. The ISO 9001 certification—an international benchmark for Quality Management Systems (QMS)—validates that the agency meets global standards in environmental protection, policy enforcement and public service efficiency.

The EPA Punjab has spearheaded multiple environmental initiatives, including large-scale afforestation drives, stricter air and water pollution controls, promotion of renewable energy projects and waste management reforms. These efforts have now gained international recognition, reinforcing Punjab’s role as a pioneer in sustainable development within Pakistan.

The certification is stated to be not just a badge of honour but a game-changer for Pakistan’s environmental governance. Key implications include enhanced global credibility for Pakistan’s environmental policies, increased investor confidence in Punjab’s regulatory systems, stronger enforcement of anti-pollution laws with internationally validated methods, and inspiration for other provinces to adopt ISO-compliant environmental frameworks.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025