Pakistan opens first integrated CETP at Sialkot Tannery Zone
The Sialkot Tannery Association (Guarantee) Limited (STAGL) has inaugurated Pakistan's first fully integrated Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Sialkot Tannery Zone (STZ).
The facility includes pre-treatment, primary, secondary and sludge treatment stages and has been declared ready for operation. According to STAGL, the plant has been designed to meet Pakistan's National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS) as well as international environmental requirements.
Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, attended the inauguration ceremony as chief guest. Representatives from UNIDO, provincial government departments and local authorities were also present.
STAGL chief executive Ahmed Zulfiqar said the CETP is a key part of the Sialkot Tannery Zone project, which aims to relocate 250 tanneries from the city centre to a dedicated industrial area. The project has received financial and technical support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNIDO, the Export Development Fund (EDF) and the Punjab Environment Protection Department.
During the event, speakers said the facility would help the leather sector improve environmental compliance and support access to international markets. Industry estimates presented at the ceremony suggested the zone could increase leather exports by 18-23% in the short term and create additional employment opportunities.
The inauguration also marked the completion of other infrastructure within the zone, including a segregated drainage system and a 21MW grid station. Work is continuing on a chrome recovery plant and an engineered landfill site.
UNIDO project manager Ivan Kral said the organisation expects the Sialkot Tannery Zone to support the long-term sustainable development of Pakistan's leather industry.
During the event, UNIDO also launched new Guidelines for Assessment of Leather Environmental Footprint aimed at improving environmental transparency and supporting alignment with international best practices.
