Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given approval in principle for establishment of a new industrial estate in Sialkot.She chaired a special meeting to review the overall performance and future strategy for industrial estates across the province, here on Wednesday.
The CM approved the development of the Sialkot Industrial Estate on 400 acres of land near Sialkot International Airport. She also directed that four industrial estates be offered to foreign investors, while the estates in Bhalwal, Vehari, and Bahawalpur would be considered for potential Saudi investment. In a key policy move, the Chunian Industrial Estate has been allocated to the Fisheries Department.
During the meeting, audit reports of the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC) and Punjab Industrial Estates Development & Management Company (PIEDMC) were presented, revealing multiple irregularities and financial discrepancies. The Chief Minister took strong notice of the findings and ordered immediate action against those responsible.It was also decided to amend existing laws and regulations to improve the functioning of industrial estates and enhance transparency. Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed a comprehensive review and restructuring of policies governing all industrial estates in Punjab.Expressing strong disapproval of past mismanagement, she remarked that “fraud was being committed right under the nose of the previous administration, and no one bothered to intervene.” She emphasized that safeguarding every inch of government land was the government’s foremost duty.The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government was fully committed to promoting industrial development, ensuring transparency, and fostering responsible governance to strengthen the province’s economic infrastructure and attract international investment.
