Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a special incentives package for local and foreign investors as the provincial government moves ahead with plans to establish a state-of-the-art Green Industrial Economic Zone aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and promoting clean energy.

The announcement came during a meeting with a delegation from the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), where the chief minister granted in-principle approval for the ambitious project and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for its implementation.

The proposed initiative is expected to position Punjab as a regional hub for green industries while supporting Pakistan's economic growth through sustainable development and environmentally friendly technologies.

Green Industrial Economic Zone gets in-principle approval

During the meeting, OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza briefed the chief minister on the proposed Green Industrial Economic Zone, which is being planned in collaboration with the Green Energy Group.

According to the briefing, the project aims to establish an internationally competitive industrial zone powered by renewable energy. The development is designed to encourage industrial expansion, increase exports, attract foreign direct investment, and generate thousands of employment opportunities.

Officials believe the project could become one of Punjab's most significant initiatives for promoting environmentally sustainable industrial growth.

Clean energy to power future industries

The proposed economic zone will feature advanced clean energy infrastructure, including solar, wind, hydropower, ground-source energy systems, battery storage facilities, and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) backup systems.

These technologies are intended to provide industries with reliable and environmentally friendly energy while reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.

Experts say access to sustainable energy sources could lower operating costs for businesses, improve energy security, and strengthen Pakistan's transition toward a greener economy.

Thousands of jobs and economic benefits expected

According to project estimates, the Green Industrial Economic Zone is expected to create more than 18,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Officials also estimate that the project could generate over Rs5.6 billion in annual revenue while increasing exports of environmentally friendly products.

The initiative is projected to contribute around 1.5% to Pakistan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through industrial expansion, export growth, and increased economic activity.

In addition to economic gains, the project is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and help Pakistan move closer to achieving its long-term net-zero climate targets.

Special incentives announced for investors

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is fully prepared to welcome both domestic and international investors.

She announced a special incentives package designed to encourage investment across different sectors and assured businesses that the provincial government would provide every possible facilitation.

The chief minister highlighted the implementation of the Zero Time to Start policy, aimed at allowing businesses to begin operations without unnecessary delays.

She also said investors would benefit from a One Window Operation system, enabling them to obtain all required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and regulatory approvals through a streamlined process.

According to the chief minister, these reforms are intended to make Punjab one of the most investor-friendly destinations in the region.

Investor-friendly environment remains government's priority

Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government is working to eliminate unnecessary administrative and bureaucratic hurdles that often discourage investment.

She emphasized that Punjab offers a secure, transparent, and business-friendly environment where investors can confidently launch new projects and expand existing operations.

The government, she added, remains committed to improving ease of doing business through policy reforms and institutional support.

Vision for a modern industrial Punjab

The chief minister said her government's long-term vision is to transform Punjab into a leading centre for green industries, clean energy, innovation, and international trade.

Officials believe that successful implementation of the Green Industrial Economic Zone could strengthen industrial competitiveness, attract high-value investment, increase exports, and create sustainable employment for thousands of Pakistanis.

The government is expected to finalize the project's implementation strategy after reviewing the detailed action plan prepared by the relevant departments.