LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif accorded approval to establish a new industrial estate in Sialkot.
While chairing a special meeting to review matters relating to industrial estates across the province, the CM agreed to develop Sialkot industrial estate on 400 acres of land near Sialkot International Airport.
She also agreed to offer four industrial estates to foreign investors, in addition to industrial estates in Bhalwal, Vehari and Bahawalpur being considered for potential investment from Saudi investors.
In a significant policy shift, she decided to allocate Chunian Industrial Estate to the Fisheries Department.
The Chief Minister was presented with audit reports of FIEDMC (Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company) and PIEDMC (Punjab Industrial Estates Development & Management Company), revealing multiple irregularities and financial discrepancies. She took strong notice and directed to take immediate action against those responsible for committing these financial irregularities. It was also agreed in the meeting to amend existing rules and regulations to ensure success of industrial estates across Punjab.
The CM directed the authorities concerned to carry out a comprehensive review of the current policy governing all industrial estates in Punjab. She expressed strong disapproval of past mismanagement and irregularities, and said, “Fraud was being committed right under the nose of previous administration and no one bothered to intervene. It is our foremost duty to safeguard every inch of government land in the province.”
The initiatives discussed in the meeting reflect government’s commitment to industrial development, transparency, and responsible governance aimed at revitalizing Punjab’s economic infrastructure and attracting international investment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025