Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif Launches Historic Rs1.99 Trillion Pivot Economic Plan
Punjab Unveils Rs1.99 Trillion PIVOT Plan to Boost Exports, Create 162,000 Jobs
Three-year economic roadmap includes Rs300 billion in concessional financing, industrial modernisation and skills training for over 402,000 people.
LAHORE, October 30, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a Rs1.995 trillion economic transformation plan aimed at turning the province into an export-driven industrial hub, attracting private investment and creating new employment opportunities.
The Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) Plan 2026–29 aims to generate $6.8 billion in additional exports, create 162,000 direct jobs and support more than one million livelihoods over the next three years.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab was moving towards a new economic growth model focused on industrial development, innovation, value addition and exports.
She said the provincial government wanted to create an investment-friendly environment where businesses could expand, industries could modernise and people could access better employment opportunities.
Major Business Leaders, Diplomats Attend Launch
The launch ceremony brought together prominent business leaders, financial sector representatives, foreign diplomats, policymakers and international development partners.
Notable attendees included Mian Mansha, Arif Habib, Fawad Mukhtar, Ziad Bashir and Osman Khalid Waheed. State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad also attended, alongside senior banking executives.
Representatives of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations organisations were also present.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, provincial ministers and senior government officials attended the event.
Addressing investors and industrialists, the chief minister said Punjab welcomed investment from across Pakistan and abroad, adding that the government would facilitate businesses while the private sector would lead economic growth.
Rs300 Billion Concessional Financing for Businesses
A key component of the PIVOT Plan is the Strategic Trade Enhancement Programme (STEP), which envisages Rs300 billion in concessional financing at interest rates ranging from zero to five per cent for eligible businesses, subject to programme conditions.
The overall investment framework includes Rs1,089 billion in public-sector investment and Rs906 billion targeted from the private sector.
The initiative aims to encourage industrial expansion, strengthen manufacturing capacity and improve access to affordable financing.
Rs753.7 Billion Allocated for Industrial Development
The plan earmarks Rs753.7 billion for industrial development, value addition and export competitiveness.
The provincial government has allocated Rs50 billion for solar power installations and Battery Energy Storage Systems to help industries manage energy costs.
Another Rs50 billion has been set aside for machinery duty reimbursements to encourage manufacturers to upgrade production facilities and adopt modern technologies.
Priority sectors include textiles and garments, sports goods, leather, footwear, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, fans, cutlery, steel and ceramics.
The plan also includes modern testing laboratories, certification facilities and ready-to-use industrial infrastructure to help local manufacturers meet international standards and expand into global markets.
Four Agro-Processing Parks Planned
Under the agricultural component, four specialised agro-processing parks will be established in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar.
The facilities aim to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food processing and connect farmers with higher-value markets.
The programme will also focus on improving the value of wheat, citrus, potatoes and mangoes, alongside export financing for horticulture and floriculture.
Dedicated Horticulture Authorities are also planned in 20 districts.
Livestock, dairy, aquaculture, halal meat and milk production have been included among the priority areas for commercial development and export growth.
402,060 People to Receive Skills Training
The PIVOT Plan also focuses on tourism, technology and workforce development.
Under the programme, 402,060 individuals will receive vocational and professional training over three years.
The training initiatives will be aligned with industry requirements to improve employment opportunities in manufacturing, technology and emerging commercial sectors.
The government also plans to upgrade tourism infrastructure to attract visitors and encourage private investment in hospitality and related businesses.
300 Government Services to Be Digitised
To improve the business environment, the provincial government will digitise 300 administrative services through its E-Biz initiative.
The programme also aims to bring 2,000 businesses onto e-commerce platforms.
Other proposed reforms include modernising labour laws, improving public-private partnership arrangements and introducing state land lease schemes across nine productive economic sectors.
These measures are intended to reduce administrative hurdles, improve transparency and make it easier for investors to establish and expand businesses.
PIVOT Implementation to Be Monitored Through Dashboard
The provincial government has established a governance framework to monitor the implementation of the economic plan.
A PIVOT Board, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on behalf of the chief minister, will oversee the initiative.
A dedicated secretariat will operate under the Planning and Development Department, while a PIVOT cell will be established in the Chief Secretary’s Office.
Deputy commissioners will act as district-level focal persons.
Progress will be monitored through a central PIVOT Dashboard and an Industry Scorecard, featuring performance indicators, implementation milestones and regular reviews.
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman said the plan’s concept would be operationalised within six months.
Arif Habib Announces Pakistan’s Tallest Commercial Tower in Lahore
The launch also highlighted growing private-sector interest in Punjab’s development agenda.
Real estate developer Arif Habib announced plans to construct Pakistan’s tallest commercial tower at Lahore CBD One.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the initiative reflected the chief minister’s vision of positioning the government as a facilitator while allowing private businesses to drive economic expansion.
The PIVOT Plan 2026–29 represents Punjab’s broader strategy to attract investment, modernise industries, increase exports, strengthen agriculture and create employment opportunities.
The provincial government aims to translate the three-year roadmap into measurable economic growth and improved livelihoods across Punjab.
