Punjab steps up measures to boost business, investment

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s government is taking effective measures to promote business activity, attract investment, accelerate industrial development and create new employment opportunities. Facilitating the business community and making the private sector a partner in economic development are key components of the government’s economic policy, he said while addressing the Third Business Excellence Awards and Conference 2026, which was organised by Tajiran Ittehad Group All Pakistan and Events Media (Pvt) Limited on Thursday. The event was attended by representatives of the business community, industrialists, traders and business leaders who have demonstrated outstanding performance in various sectors. The Minister further said that, in line with the Chief Minister’s vision, the process of starting new businesses and expanding existing enterprises is being facilitated in Punjab. “Through initiatives such as the Asaan Karobar Card and Asaan Karobar Finance, interest-free financial assistance is being provided to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. The objective is to promote business activity, create employment opportunities and broaden the scope of economic activity across the province. ” According to him, the government has established the business facilitation centres to provide the business community and investors with easier access to various government services. These centres provide facilities for obtaining NOCs, licences and permits related to different departments under one roof. Such arrangements are helping reduce procedural hurdles for businesses and contributing to the creation of a more conducive environment for investment. Shuja-ur-Rehman said the industrial development, investment and growth in exports are fundamental pillars of Punjab’s economic progress. “The private sector plays a key role in investment, production, employment generation and export promotion; therefore, effective engagement and cooperation between the government and the business community are essential for achieving economic objectives. ” The Finance Minister said the government of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is focused on creating new opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs while also promoting industry and trade. Providing entrepreneurs with financial support, facilitation and an environment conducive to business will not only encourage the establishment of new enterprises but also enable existing businesses to expand their operations. He added that the business community holds fundamental importance in Pakistan’s economic development. “Industrialists, traders, investors and business enterprises are playing an important role in strengthening the national economy by creating employment opportunities, increasing domestic production, promoting investment and enhancing exports. ” “Programmes such as the Business Excellence Awards not only recognise outstanding performance in the business sector but also encourage hard work, innovation and successful entrepreneurial leadership. Highlighting the achievements of successful business personalities also helps inspire the younger generation towards entrepreneurship, investment and innovation. The successes of the business community reflect Pakistan’s economic potential and the commitment of the private sector, ” he said. On this occasion, the Finance Minister presented Business Excellence Awards to business leaders who had demonstrated outstanding performance in various sectors and congratulated them on their achievements. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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