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Punjab is set to expand its industrial footprint as the provincial government prepares to establish a new industrial estate near the Rawalpindi Ring Road, a move aimed at meeting rising demand from investors and strengthening the province’s manufacturing base.
The announcement was made by Provincial Industries and Commerce Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). He said Punjab’s upgraded industrial infrastructure has restored investor confidence, helping attract both domestic and foreign investment across various sectors.
Providing background, the minister said the province is entering a new phase of industrial expansion.
“Mobile phone manufacturing will begin in Punjab within the next six months, and we are also moving toward setting up lithium battery plants,” he shared, highlighting the shift toward high tech and energy efficient industries.
Hussain added that industrial development is underway across multiple regions, including new factories at Quaid-i-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura and the first ever industrial units starting operations in Bahawalpur Industrial Estate. A dedicated garment city in Sheikhupura has also been completed to enhance textile exports.
He noted that the chief minister has approved a major programme to upgrade smaller industrial estates across Punjab, ensuring improved infrastructure for existing and upcoming businesses. New facilities in special economic zones are also expected to become operational next month, enabling investors to start production sooner.
The minister cautioned that industrial estate plots are being cancelled permanently if owners fail to develop units according to policy. He also instructed authorities to improve access roads to the Rawat Industrial Estate.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Group Leader Sohail Altaf briefed the minister on key challenges and shared proposals to accelerate industrialisation in the region.
