Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given approval in principle for establishment of a new industrial estate in Sialkot.
She chaired a special meeting to review the overall performance and future strategy for industrial estates across the province, here on Wednesday.
The CM approved the development of the Sialkot Industrial Estate on 400 acres of land near Sialkot International Airport. She also directed that four industrial estates be offered to foreign investors, while the estates in Bhalwal, Vehari, and Bahawalpur would be considered for potential Saudi investment. In a key policy move, the Chunian Industrial Estate has been allocated to the Fisheries Department.
During the meeting, audit reports of the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC) and Punjab Industrial Estates Development & Management Company (PIEDMC) were presented, revealing multiple irregularities and financial discrepancies. The Chief Minister took strong notice of the findings and ordered immediate action against those responsible.
It was also decided to amend existing laws and regulations to improve the functioning of industrial estates and enhance transparency. Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed a comprehensive review and restructuring of policies governing all industrial estates in Punjab.
Expressing strong disapproval of past mismanagement, she remarked that “fraud was being committed right under the nose of the previous administration, and no one bothered to intervene.” She emphasized that safeguarding every inch of government land was the government’s foremost duty.
Separately, Chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid rich tribute to resilience, compassion, sense of responsibility and selfless sacrifice of rural women, calling them a true backbone of a thriving Punjab.
She in her message on the eve of International Day of Rural Women emphasized that primary purpose to celebrate this day is to recognize and celebrate tireless efforts and contributions of women living in rural areas across Punjab. She noted, it is the dedication of rural women that keeps Punjab’s fields flourishing, homes running and its economy stable. A rural woman is not just a hardworking individual but a vital partner in the uplift of every sector in Punjab.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the Pakistan Test cricket team on winning the first match of the Test series against South Africa.
Also, the CM expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of former Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Durrani.