Punjab launches interest-free pink salt financing scheme to boost exports, jobs

• CM Maryam announces 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad

• Interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million to support value-added salt industry

• Over 200 processing units to create 10,000 jobs and attract Rs150m investment

• Officials project $300m in annual foreign exchange through enhanced exports

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, unveiling a major initiative to promote industrialisation, employment and exports by encouraging value addition to the province's vast pink salt reserves, while announcing the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad.

پنک سالٹ سے ترقی کا نیا سفر!
وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے "پنک سالٹ ویلیو ایڈیشن فنانسنگ اسکیم" کا آغاز کر دیا۔ اس اقدام سے صنعت، روزگار، سرمایہ کاری اور برآمدات کو نئی جہت ملے گی۔
اللّٰہ تعالیٰ نے پنجاب کو بہترین پنک سالٹ کے ذخائر سے نوازا ہے۔ پنک سالٹ پر اب میڈ ان پاکستان… pic.twitter.com/XDJiaOwboI

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 15, 2026

The chief minister also performed the digital inauguration of the financing scheme, describing it as a significant step towards transforming Pakistan's globally renowned pink salt into a high-value export commodity through modern processing and manufacturing.

پاکستانی پنک سالٹ کو عالمی برانڈ بنانے کی جانب ایک تاریخی پیش رفت!

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے "چیف منسٹر پنک سالٹ ویلیو ایڈیشن فنانسنگ سکیم" کا ڈیجیٹل اجراء کر دیا ہے۔ بلاسود قرضوں، جدید پراسیسنگ اور ویلیو ایڈیشن کے ذریعے برآمدات میں اضافہ، سرمایہ کاری اور 10 ہزار سے… pic.twitter.com/vWNi1Sxw6b

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 15, 2026

During a comprehensive briefing at the launch ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz was informed that more than 200 processing units would be established in the proposed processing zone, attracting an investment of Rs150 million and creating 10,000 direct employment opportunities.

Officials further briefed the chief minister that a Business Facilitation Centre and a Model Retail Outlet would also be established within the zone to provide one-window support and marketing facilities for investors.

Under the financing scheme, new investors will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million for setting up facilities 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. The financing will be repayable in easy instalments over a period of five years, making it easier for entrepreneurs to invest in value-added production.

The chief minister was informed that value addition and enhanced exports of pink salt products could generate approximately $300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings, significantly increasing the country's export revenues.

Chief Minister Punjab Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme launched.

Soft loans upto Rs. 50 Million to boost employment, processing facilities and exports. The entire process has been digitized by Mines & Minerals Department for fast track applications and approval. pic.twitter.com/xQjSCQrOtK

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 15, 2026

The briefing further revealed that bids worth Rs471 million had been received during the first phase of the initiative, while offers amounting to Rs2.5 billion had already been submitted in the second phase.

Officials also informed the chief minister that the digitalisation of lease and licence auctions by the Mines and Minerals Department had resulted in a substantial increase in government revenue by improving transparency and investor participation.

Chief Minister Punjab Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme launched.

Soft loans upto Rs. 50 Million to boost employment, processing facilities and exports. The entire process has been digitized by Mines & Minerals Department for fast track applications and approval. pic.twitter.com/zUUp9CrYGJ

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 15, 2026

Prospective investors can submit online applications through the Mines and Minerals Department's dedicated portal at https://pinksalt.punjab.gov.pk.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the financing scheme would open new avenues for industrial growth, create employment opportunities and increase government revenue by promoting export-oriented industries based on Punjab's rich mineral resources.

She said pink salt products would now proudly carry the label "Made in Pakistan," adding that the country's natural resources were a national trust and would be safeguarded with complete honesty, transparency and responsibility.

The chief minister said the initiative would substantially enhance the global export of processed, packaged and decorative pink salt products, enabling Pakistan to secure greater value from one of its most prized natural resources.

She observed that Punjab possessed some of the world's finest pink salt reserves and noted that Pakistan's pink salt enjoyed international recognition for its exceptional quality and unique mineral composition, making it highly sought after in global markets.

CM Expresses Grief Over Muridke Bus Collision

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep 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 and prayed for the departed souls.

The chief minister also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the accident, emphasizing that no effort should be spared in providing them with timely healthcare and assistance.