Faisalabad Industrial Zone to drive investment, jobs and growth: Qaiser Sheikh

FAISALABAD: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh on Saturday said the upcoming Faisalabad Industrial Zone would mark a new chapter of investment, industrial expansion and employment generation, while the government remains equally committed to improving healthcare and other essential services in rural communities.

Speaking to the media during a visit to a free medical camp organised by local philanthropists in collaboration with Islamia Hospital Chiniot at Chak No. 134 Loonay Wala near Chiniot, the minister said the government was pursuing a balanced development strategy that combined economic growth with public welfare.

He said comprehensive reforms were underway to transform Pakistan into a more attractive, secure and business-friendly destination for both domestic and foreign investors, with public welfare remaining at the centre of the government's development agenda.

"The government's strategy focuses on promoting investment, creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure and expanding social welfare simultaneously to ensure sustainable economic growth," he said.

The minister described the Faisalabad Industrial Zone as a game-changing project that would attract substantial local and foreign investment, create thousands of jobs for young people and stimulate economic activity across the region.

He said the Board of Investment was introducing wide-ranging reforms to improve the ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary approvals, simplifying licensing procedures and removing bureaucratic hurdles, enabling investors to establish and expand businesses with greater confidence.

Highlighting incentives for investors, Sheikh said businesses setting up operations in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would benefit from exemptions on customs duties and taxes for imported machinery, along with income tax relief of up to nine years.

He said these incentives would accelerate industrial expansion, increase exports, establish new manufacturing facilities and strengthen Pakistan's economy.

According to the minister, several international companies have already shown interest in investing in Pakistan, encouraged by the government's investor-friendly policies. He added that the resulting economic activity would also benefit the transport, construction, trade and services sectors.

Sheikh further said the government's economic policies under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had gained international recognition, while overseas Pakistanis were increasingly expressing confidence in Pakistan's improving investment climate.

He added that measures such as reducing duties on industrial raw materials and abolishing the super tax for exporters would further enhance exports and strengthen the country's economic outlook.

Emphasising the government's commitment to social welfare, Sheikh said expanding access to quality healthcare in rural areas remained one of its foremost priorities.

He said free medical camps were being organised every three to four weeks in different villages, where specialist doctors provide consultations, diagnostic services, medicines and medical advice free of cost to deserving patients.

The minister praised Islamia Hospital Chiniot for organising the medical camp in a remote rural area and acknowledged the services of renowned specialists, including paediatrician Dr Akhlaq, who voluntarily treated patients without charge.

He noted that such welfare initiatives enable people, who otherwise cannot afford specialist treatment, to receive quality healthcare close to their homes.

Calling on philanthropists and charitable organisations to support similar initiatives, Sheikh said expanding such programmes would help bring quality healthcare within the reach of more underprivileged communities.

The minister said the government was also investing heavily in roads, communication networks and other public infrastructure in rural areas to improve access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.

He described the Chiniot-Rajoa Road as a landmark project that has significantly improved connectivity between Faisalabad and Chiniot while facilitating trade, education and healthcare for millions of residents in surrounding villages.

Referring to education, Sheikh highlighted the establishment of the FAST National University campus near the corridor, saying the institution follows a strict merit-based admission policy without exceptions.

"Even members of my own family cannot gain admission unless they meet the prescribed merit criteria," he remarked.

During his visit, the minister reviewed medical facilities at the camp, met specialist doctors and interacted with patients receiving treatment. He appreciated the organisers for their efforts, saying such initiatives not only provide relief to deserving patients but also promote the spirit of public service and community welfare.

Earlier, local dignitaries, including Chairman Muhammad Ali Noor, Chaudhary Hijaz Loona, Chaudhary Zubair Loona, Chaudhary Muhammad Hussain Loona, Allah Ditta, Chaudhary Muhammad Hussain and Barrister Muhammad Mansha, welcomed the federal minister and hosted a reception in his honour.