The Punjab cabinet on Monday approved key features of a new industrial development and export promotion programme, envisaging investments of Rs1.995 trillion and the creation of more than 162,000 jobs. The programme, presented by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at the 37th meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, envisages Rs1.089 trillion from the provincial government and Rs906 billion from the private sector.
According to a briefing, the programme, titled PIYUT in the official handout, focuses on support for existing industries, e-business, e-commerce, garments, plug-and-play facilities, and testing and certification services for leather, footwear, and sports goods. Material-testing laboratories for the cutlery, handmade tools, ceramics, and fan industries, along with export financing for horticulture and floriculture, are part of the initiative.
Agriculture processing parks will be established in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara, and Bhakkar. The cabinet approved the establishment of horticulture authorities in 20 districts to streamline urban and rural green development.
This move is expected to boost the aesthetic and economic value of the province's agricultural output. It also approved subsidies for Phase V of the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractor Programme, under which the provincial government will provide Rs9.5 billion for 10,000 high-powered tractors.
This initiative aims to modernize farming practices and increase crop yields across the province. Subsidies were also approved for an agricultural transformation project in Thal, where the government will provide Rs7.6 billion for drip irrigation, solar power, and water storage across 10,000 acres in Mankera and Layyah.
These measures are designed to combat water scarcity and promote sustainable agriculture in arid regions. Furthermore, the cabinet approved the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' housing programme, under which the Bank of Punjab (BOP) will extend 40,000 loans through an allocation of Rs60 billion.
This initiative is aimed at providing affordable housing solutions to low-income families. Other significant decisions included the establishment of the Maryam Nawaz Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Mianwali to improve healthcare access in the region.
The cabinet also finalized operational arrangements for 1,500 electric buses at the tehsil level to modernize public transport. Finally, the provincial cabinet officially approved the hosting of the 14th South Asian Games.
This event is expected to boost tourism and project a positive image of the province on the international stage, marking a significant milestone for regional sports development.