LAHORE – Punjab has announced an ambitious Rs300 billion business financing initiative aimed at strengthening industrial growth, improving access to capital for entrepreneurs, and accelerating economic activity across the province.
Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain revealed that the provincial government, in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, plans to launch the Easy Loan Scheme in October 2026. The program is designed to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs100 million for eligible businesses, while companies requiring larger financing will be able to obtain funds at highly concessional markup rates.
The announcement was made during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) House in Lahore. The delegation, led by Chamber President Khawaja Yasir Qayyum, discussed a range of issues affecting industries in Sargodha, including infrastructure needs in the Small Industrial Estate and measures to improve the business environment.
According to the minister, the financing scheme is intended to make affordable capital available to entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanding industries that often face difficulties obtaining commercial loans at competitive rates. He said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to encouraging investment, increasing industrial production, and creating employment opportunities throughout Punjab.
“The government is determined to provide practical support to the business community through easier access to finance and improved industrial infrastructure,” the minister said during the meeting. He added that details regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and loan disbursement mechanisms would be announced closer to the scheme’s launch.
In addition to the financing package, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain announced that the provincial government would begin a multi-billion-rupee development program this year to upgrade infrastructure in 23 Small Industrial Estates across Punjab. The initiative will include improvements to roads, drainage systems, electricity supply, water facilities, and other essential services needed to support industrial operations.
Among the estates included in the development plan is the Sargodha Small Industrial Estate, where approximately 100 industrial units are currently operating. Representatives of the Sargodha Chamber urged the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements, saying better facilities would help industries expand production, reduce operating costs, and attract new investment.
The minister assured the delegation that Sargodha’s concerns would receive due attention and that industrial estates throughout the province would be modernized to meet the growing needs of manufacturers and exporters.
During the meeting, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain also addressed concerns raised by business representatives regarding unnecessary interference by regulatory bodies and other institutions. He assured industrialists and traders that the provincial government would stand by the business community against unjustified harassment.
He emphasized that creating a business-friendly environment remains one of the government’s priorities and said public institutions should facilitate economic activity rather than create obstacles for investors and entrepreneurs.
The meeting also highlighted efforts to expand Pakistan’s export potential. Officials from the Sargodha Chamber informed the minister that the chamber plans to organize Mango Festivals in Spain and South Africa next month to promote Pakistani mangoes in international markets and strengthen export opportunities for fruit growers and exporters.
The minister welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward showcasing Pakistan’s agricultural products abroad. He assured the chamber of the provincial government’s full cooperation in supporting export promotion activities and exploring new international markets for locally produced goods.
Business leaders attending the meeting expressed hope that affordable financing and improved industrial infrastructure would encourage fresh investment, enhance productivity, and generate employment across Punjab. They also welcomed the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding concerns of the industrial sector.
The Easy Loan Scheme and infrastructure development program are expected to form part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to stimulate industrial expansion, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises, and improve Punjab’s competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Further operational details of the financing initiative are expected to be announced before its scheduled launch in October 2026.
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