LAHORE: The Punjab government has unveiled a detailed plan to boost industrial growth across the province, allocating Rs30 billion in the current fiscal year to improve and provide missing facilities in industrial estates.
The Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) will oversee the plan, which includes developing new industrial zones, expanding existing estates, and upgrading infrastructure province-wide.
“Rs30 billion will be spent to provide missing facilities in all industrial estates across Punjab this year,” said Major (r) Javed Iqbal, Chairman of PIEDMC.
PIEDMC is currently focusing on two new industrial estates — one in Sialkot and another in Rawalpindi. “The Sialkot Industrial Estate is at an advanced stage and is being developed on 400 acres near Sialkot International Airport,” he added.
The new estate will be connected to the Sialkot–Lahore Motorway and the airport through modern roads, easing the import of raw materials and export of finished goods. Efforts are also underway to attract foreign investment to these estates to boost Punjab’s industrial sector.
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The Rawalpindi Industrial Estate is still in the planning stage, aimed at promoting industrial growth in northern Punjab. Expansion plans for Multan Industrial Estate and Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura are also under consideration, with special funds set aside to upgrade infrastructure and sewerage systems at the Multan estate.
Since its formation, PIEDMC has developed and upgraded nine industrial estates, including Sundar, Quaid-e-Azam (Kot Lakhpat), Multan (Phases I & II), Quaid-e-Azam Business Park (Sheikhupura), Vehari, Bhalwal, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur.
So far, PIEDMC has attracted over Rs450 billion in investments, including foreign direct investment, creating direct employment for more than 200,000 people across Punjab.
To simplify operations for investors, PIEDMC has set up a one-window service centre that handles applications, NOCs, and Special Economic Zone approvals under one roof.
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To reduce congestion in urban areas, new estates like Sundar Industrial Estate and Quaid-e-Azam Business Park have been developed outside city limits, ensuring better access, logistics, and investment opportunities. PIEDMC is also enforcing strict environmental rules and monitoring hazardous industries for compliance.
Industrialists have welcomed the government’s initiative, saying it will promote economic activity and create jobs. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), suggested establishing a dedicated industrial zone for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under a public-private partnership.
