The Punjab government has approved the key outlines of a Rs 1.995 trillion industrial and export development programme aimed at expanding industrial activity, promoting exports and attracting investment. The plan includes four proposed agricultural processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar.
The programme aims to expand industrial activity across the province, facilitate the establishment of new industries, increase local processing of agricultural produce and create more than 162,000 jobs.
The programme was approved at the 37th meeting of the Punjab provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on October 19.
Under the Punjab Innovation for Value, Opportunity and Transformation (PIVOT) programme, total investment of Rs 1.995 trillion is expected. The provincial government has proposed a contribution of Rs 1.089 trillion, while the target for private-sector investment is Rs 906 billion.
The programme includes the development of industrial infrastructure, the establishment of industry clusters, improvements to the quality of export products, modernisation of the agriculture and livestock sectors, and new projects through public-private partnerships.
A key component is the proposed development of agricultural processing parks in four districts. The parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar are intended to support modern processing of agricultural produce, add value to products and improve access to domestic and international markets.
Their development could create demand in the respective districts for industrial land, factories, warehouses, cold storage, electricity, water, roads and other infrastructure, potentially opening up opportunities for the construction and industrial real estate sectors.However, the government has not yet announced the specific site s or boundaries for the parks, approved layout plans, industrial plot prices, application procedures or possession dates.
The programme also proposes providing plug-and-play industrial facilities to help new businesses begin operations. Such centres could offer businesses ready-to-use infrastructure and essential services, potentially reducing the initial cost and time required to set up factories.
Garments, leather goods, footwear and sports equipment have been given particular importance in the industrial development plan. Measures to test products, certify quality and strengthen production capacity in line with international requirements are also included.
The programme proposes material-testing laboratories for the cutlery, hand tools, ceramics and fan industries to improve the quality and export competitiveness of locally made products. In agriculture, the plan also focuses on adding value to wheat, developing the meat and dairy industries, processing kinnow, potatoes and mangoes, and promoting horticulture, commercial flower production, aquaculture and related businesses. The government has included export financing support and skills training for businesses linked to horticulture and the flower industry. The programme also envisages support for existing businesses, the promotion of e-commerce and digital business activity, and the provision of modern industrial facilities.
The four proposed processing parks and industrial clusters are particularly relevant to the construction and real estate sectors. Their development will depend on land availability, industrial zoning, construction planning, access roads and the provision of basic infrastructure. The Rs 1.995 trillion figure represents the programme’s expected total investment. It should not be taken as the amount of construction contracts to be awarded immediately or as funding already available in full. Similarly, the target of more than 162,000 jobs is contingent on investment, the launch of projects and the growth of industries.
Following the provincial cabinet’s approval, further decisions are expected on detailed feasibility studies, land selection, financial arrangements and phased implementation of the programme’s projects. If implemented effectively, the programme could expand industrial activity across Punjab’s districts, add value to agricultural products, attract new investment and stimulate construction-sector activity.