Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, aimed at promoting industry, employment and exports through value addition of the province’s pink salt reserves.
The CM also digitally inaugurated the scheme and announced the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad.
During a detailed briefing at the launch ceremony, she was informed that more than 200 processing units would be established in the zone, attracting an investment of Rs150 million and creating 10,000 direct employment opportunities.
The briefing said a Business Facilitation Centre and a Model Retail Outlet would also be established to facilitate investors.
Under the financing scheme, new investors will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million for salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning and packaging. Loans ranging from Rs5 million to Rs50 million will also be available for the purchase of machinery, equipment and export-standard technology, with repayment in easy instalments over five years.
Officials informed the chief minister that value addition and increased exports of pink salt could generate $300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings.
The briefing further revealed that bids worth Rs471 million were received in the first phase, while offers amounting to Rs2.5 billion had already been received in the second phase. It was also noted that the digitalisation of lease and licence auctions by the Mines and Minerals Department had led to a significant increase in revenue.
Investors can submit online applications through the Mines and Minerals Department’s website at https://pinksalt.punjab.gov.pk
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said the financing scheme would create employment opportunities and enhance government revenue by promoting industrialisation and exports based on Punjab’s pink salt reserves. She said pink salt products would now carry the label “Made in Pakistan”, adding that the country’s natural resources were a national trust and would be protected with complete honesty and responsibility.
The CM said the value addition initiative would help increase global exports of processed, packaged and decorative pink salt products. She added that Punjab had been blessed with some of the world’s finest pink salt reserves and that Pakistan’s pink salt was internationally recognised for its quality and unique mineral composition.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the prompt resolution of public issues raised by lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin during a meeting held to review constituency matters and the prevailing political situation.
Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Khalid Mehmood Ranjha and Chaudhry Akhtar Abbas Bosal called on the chief minister and briefed her on the needs and concerns of residents of provincial constituencies PP-42 and PP-43. They also discussed matters of mutual interest and the overall political situation.
The chief minister instructed the relevant departments to take immediate steps to address the public issues highlighted by the legislators, reaffirming her government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance.
The lawmakers appreciated the launch of the electric bus service in Mandi Bahauddin and commended the chief minister’s initiatives for the beautification of major and smaller cities across Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that additional electric buses would be introduced not only in Mandi Bahauddin but also in other districts of the province to provide modern, environmentally friendly and affordable public transport facilities. She said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had always honoured the commitments made to the people with the blessings of Almighty Allah.
The CM said the construction and expansion of more than 32,000 kilometres of roads across Punjab would significantly boost economic and commercial activity by improving connectivity and facilitating trade. She added that the international recognition earned by the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, the Safe City initiative and the Suthra Punjab campaign reflected the Punjab government’s commitment to effective governance, public welfare and sustainable development.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Punjab government was committed to equipping the province’s youth with modern technology and vocational skills.
She urged them to embrace freelancing, information technology and technical trades to contribute to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
In her message on World Youth Skills Day, the chief minister said a technologically skilled and professionally trained youth was the country’s greatest asset and the driving force behind its future development.
She said the Punjab government had allocated substantial resources to promote youth skill development and entrepreneurship. More than 108,000 people had benefited from the Asaan Karobar and Asaan Finance schemes, while young entrepreneurs were being provided interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs3 million under the Asaan Karobar Scheme.
Maryam Nawaz said 2,000 young graduates were receiving a monthly stipend of Rs60,000 under the Agriculture Internship Programme to gain practical experience in the agricultural sector.
She said vocational training institutes across Punjab were offering internationally aligned courses in information technology, construction, masonry, welding, tile fixing and heavy vehicle maintenance. She added that 10,000 skilled youth had secured employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in line with international labour market requirements.
The CM said Punjab had, for the first time, introduced e-commerce, digital marketing and advanced IT courses into its skills development curriculum to prepare young people for emerging economic opportunities.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, she said the Sehar Programme was providing vocational training in beautification, hospitality and airline management to 5,365 women across the province. The participants were also receiving free laptops and a monthly stipend of Rs7,500, she added.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in a collision between buses in Muridke.
She extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
The chief minister also directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the accident.