LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a major industrial development and export promotion program worth Rs1.995 trillion. The initiative aims to strengthen industries, improve exports, and create more than 162,000 jobs across the province.
The Punjab cabinet approved the program during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented the plan to the cabinet.
Under the program, the provincial government will contribute Rs1.089 trillion. The private sector is expected to invest another Rs906 billion.
The initiative focuses on industrial infrastructure, business development, export competitiveness, and agricultural mechanization. It also aims to improve value chains across agriculture, livestock, and manufacturing.
Punjab Launches Plan to Support Industries and Exports
The program includes several measures to support existing industries and encourage new investments. These measures cover e-business, e-commerce, garments, and ready-to-operate industrial facilities.
The government will also provide testing and certification services for leather, footwear, and sports goods. Material-testing laboratories will be established for the cutlery, handmade tools, ceramics, and fan industries.
Export financing for horticulture and floriculture is another part of the initiative. The government also plans to establish agriculture processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara, and Bhakkar.
The program will support wheat value enhancement and improve meat and milk production chains. It will also promote value addition for citrus fruits, potatoes, and mangoes.
Skills development, tourism, and aquaculture are included in the broader development plan. Additionally, the cabinet approved the establishment of horticulture authorities in 20 districts.
Green Tractor Program Receives Additional Support
The cabinet approved subsidies for a new phase of the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Program. The provincial government will allocate Rs9.5 billion to provide 10,000 high-powered tractors to farmers.
Officials have received more than 250,000 applications under the program. Around 25,000 tractors have already been delivered to farmers.
The cabinet also approved a waiver of late registration fees under the scheme. Subsidies for Phase IV of the low-powered Green Tractor Program were approved as well.
Another agricultural initiative will support development in the Thal region. The government will allocate Rs7.6 billion for facilities across 10,000 acres in Mankera and Layyah.
The project includes drip irrigation, solar power, water storage, and other agricultural facilities.
Housing and Healthcare Projects Approved
The Punjab cabinet approved Rs60 billion for the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar housing loan program. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz rejected a proposal to impose stamp duty under the scheme.
She also directed officials to release funds immediately for making hospital medical equipment operational. The cabinet approved funding to clear essential liabilities within the specialized healthcare and medical education department.
The government also approved donating six clinic-on-wheels vehicles to Gilgit-Baltistan. Another 15 vehicles will be provided to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the establishment of Maryam Nawaz Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Mianwali.
Traffic Fines and Electric Transport Measures
The cabinet approved revisions to traffic fines under the Punjab Ring Road Authority. The proposed changes include higher penalties for speeding, overloading, pedestrian-crossing violations, and other traffic offences.
It also approved amendments to an air-quality management project. These changes will support the provision of electric trucks and anti-smog guns.
The government also approved operational arrangements for 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level. The measures form part of wider efforts to expand public transport and improve public services.
More Decisions Approved by Punjab Cabinet
The cabinet approved the recruitment of teaching interns in government schools. It also approved hosting the 14th South Asian Games.
Additionally, the cabinet agreed to relax the recruitment ban for several government departments and agencies.
Overall, the industrial development initiative combines manufacturing, exports, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. Through these measures, Punjab launches a broad program intended to attract investment and expand employment opportunities.
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The planned investment of Rs1.995 trillion will come from both public and private sources. The program’s implementation will determine how these investments translate into jobs and economic activity across the province.
