Punjab’s cabinet has approved a major industrial development and export promotion programme worth Rs1.995 trillion, which aims to create more than 162,000 jobs across the province.
The decision was made during the 37th cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Monday, October 19. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented the programme, which focuses on industrial growth, exports and better employment opportunities.
The plan includes Rs1.089 trillion in funding from the provincial government and Rs906 billion in expected private investment. It aims to strengthen existing industries, support e-commerce and garment businesses, and improve facilities for testing and certifying products such as leather goods, footwear and sports equipment.
The programme also includes agricultural processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar. Other areas of focus include skills development, food processing, livestock, tourism and aquaculture.
The initiative is designed to improve the value of locally produced goods and help Pakistani businesses compete in international markets.
While the planned investment and job creation targets offer potential benefits for workers and businesses, the actual results will depend on how effectively the projects are implemented and how quickly the expected investments turn into new employment opportunities.
