Punjab Launches Interest-Free Pink Salt Export Financing Scheme

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched an interest-free financing programme to encourage investment in the processing and export of value-added pink salt products, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s mineral exports and promote industrial growth.

Under the initiative, eligible investors will be able to obtain interest-free loans ranging from Rs5 million to Rs50 million for establishing and expanding pink salt processing facilities. The financing may be utilised for activities including processing, grinding, refining, cleaning, packaging, machinery acquisition, and installation of export-grade technology.

The loans will be repayable through instalments over a five-year period.

Alongside the financing programme, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad to facilitate industrial development within the sector.

Government officials stated that the processing zone is expected to accommodate more than 200 processing units, attract approximately Rs150 million in investment, and generate around 10,000 direct employment opportunities.

To further support investors, the provincial government will establish a Business Facilitation Centre and a Model Retail Outlet, providing assistance to businesses engaged in processing and exporting pink salt products.

According to official projections, increased value addition and higher exports of processed pink salt could generate up to $300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan.

During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed that the first phase of lease and licence auctions received bids worth Rs471 million, while the second phase attracted bids amounting to approximately Rs2.5 billion.

Officials also highlighted that the digitalisation of lease and licence auctions by the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department has significantly improved transparency and enhanced government revenue collection.

Maryam Nawaz stated that the initiative is designed to promote industrialisation, create employment opportunities, and boost exports of processed, packaged, and decorative pink salt products marketed internationally under the "Made in Pakistan" brand.