CM Punjab Launches Pink Salt Scheme, Processing Zone for Exports

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, aimed at promoting industry, employment, and exports through value addition of the province’s pink salt reserves. She also digitally inaugurated the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad. During a briefing, it was informed that over 200 processing units would be established in the zone, attracting an investment of Rs150 million and creating 10,000 direct employment opportunities. A Business Facilitation Centre and a Model Retail Outlet are also planned to facilitate investors. Under the financing scheme, new investors will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million for salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning, and packaging. Loans ranging from Rs5 million to Rs50 million will also be available for machinery, equipment, and export-standard technology, with repayment in easy installments over five years. Officials estimate that value addition and increased exports of pink salt could generate USD300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings. Bids worth Rs471 million were received in the first phase, while offers amounting to Rs2.5 billion had already been received in the second phase. The digitalization of lease and license auctions by the Mines and Minerals Department has also led to a significant increase in revenue. CM Punjab stated that pink salt products would now carry the label "Made in Pakistan," emphasizing that the country’s natural resources are a national trust and would be protected with honesty and responsibility.