Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched an interest-free financing scheme for investors seeking to process and export value-added pink salt products, alongside plans to establish a dedicated mineral processing zone in the province.
Under the scheme, eligible investors will be able to obtain interest-free loans ranging from PKR 5 million to PKR 50 million for activities including salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning, packaging, machinery procurement and installation of export-standard technology. The loans will be repayable in instalments over five years.
The chief minister also announced the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad. Officials said the zone would house more than 200 processing units, attract PKR 150 million in investment and create around 10,000 direct jobs. A business facilitation centre and model retail outlet will also be developed to support investors.
According to the provincial government, increased value addition and exports of processed pink salt are expected to generate up to USD 300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings.
During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that the Mines and Minerals Department’s digital lease and licence auction system had increased government revenue, with bids worth PKR 471 million received in the first phase and PKR 2.5 billion in the second phase.
Maryam Nawaz said the initiative aims to promote industrial activity, create employment opportunities and increase exports of processed, packaged and decorative pink salt products under the “Made in Pakistan” label.
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