Punjab Approves New Industrial Estate Near Sialkot Airport
Key Takeaways
- Approval granted for a new 400-acre industrial estate near Sialkot International Airport.
- Four existing industrial estates are being offered to foreign investors, with potential Saudi investment in others.
- Immediate action ordered against officials responsible for financial mismanagement revealed in audit reports for Faisalabad and Punjab Industrial Estates.
- The 'E-Biz' portal was launched to digitize and simplify the process for investors to obtain permits and licenses.
- The Chunian Industrial Estate was reallocated to the Fisheries Department to promote fish farming industries.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting reviewing industrial estates, where she gave in-principle approval for a new 400-acre industrial zone near Sialkot International Airport aimed at boosting regional investment. She also agreed to offer four existing industrial estates to foreign investors and noted that estates in Bhalwal, Vehari, and Bahawalpur are being considered for Saudi investment, while the Chunian Industrial Estate was reallocated to the Fisheries Department. Audit reports highlighted significant financial mismanagement in the Faisalabad and Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Companies, prompting the Chief Minister to demand immediate punitive action and improved oversight mechanisms. Maryam Nawaz stressed the government's dedication to protecting state-owned land and rectifying past irregularities. To enhance ease of doing business, she announced the launch of the 'E-Biz' portal, enabling investors to complete applications for licenses, permits, and land-use conversions digitally. She concluded by ordering a comprehensive review of existing industrial estate regulations to ensure greater transparency and operational efficiency.
