Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, handing over cheques to 10 businesspersons who secured interest-free loans under the programme.
The scheme carries an allocation of Rs5 billion, with each business eligible for financing of up to Rs50 million. Mines and Minerals Minister Sher Ali Gorchani and Secretary Parvez Butt said the Punjab government will bear Rs1.456 billion in interest costs.
A 110-acre processing unit in Quaidabad has been developed as a specialised industrial cluster. The Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone is planned to house 200 value-addition units and generate jobs for more than 10,000 people.
A model retail outlet has also been set up to promote branding, packaging, marketing and processing of pink salt. Officials said value addition and branding could raise annual exports by up to $300 million.
The chief minister said Pakistan should export branded pink salt rather than raw material. “Pink salt is Pakistan’s uniqueness,” she said, adding that the country’s salt and labour were being used while other countries reaped the benefits.
She described it as a national mineral asset and called for value-added products for international markets. She said the government would support young entrepreneurs and startups under the scheme and help them access global markets.
She also said contracts had allegedly been awarded in the past to benefit political individuals, causing losses to the national exchequer. She added that Punjab’s resources, including “placer gold” flowing through its five rivers, should benefit the people of the province.
Separately, European Parliament Member Mary Fatima Khan Holch met the chief minister and discussed promoting agriculture, IT and technology, and trade. Maryam Nawaz said the European Union is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner. Holch appreciated Punjab’s public welfare projects, including the Minority Card initiative and other measures for minorities.
