Punjab’s pharma industry surges as Maryam pledges support

Maryam Nawaz highlights Punjab's industrial growth, vows business-friendly environment

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that every sector, including industry, is undergoing significant transformation, adding that the pharmaceutical industry in Punjab is expanding rapidly.

She stressed that no country could achieve sustainable development without adapting to changing global requirements and emerging economic trends.

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy and contributed a significant share to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

She said economic activities and businesses could not flourish in an atmosphere of unrest and uncertainty. Questioning the impact of frequent protests and acts of vandalism, she said workers could not perform their duties effectively in such an environment.

The chief minister emphasised that maintaining law and order was essential for creating a business-friendly atmosphere. She said ensuring security and stability should be the first priority when seeking to attract domestic and foreign investment.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government had introduced special incentives and support packages for the pharmaceutical sector to accelerate its growth. She also stressed the need to balance industrial development with environmental protection.

She said shutting down factories in the name of environmental protection was not an appropriate solution. Instead, industries should be encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly practices and remain subject to effective monitoring.

Highlighting the importance of the country’s young population, the chief minister said Pakistan’s youth could become its greatest economic asset if provided with appropriate skills and opportunities.

She said the Punjab government was investing in technical and vocational training to equip young people with marketable skills. The initiative aims to help them secure better employment opportunities abroad while earning respect and dignity through skilled work.

She added that financial assistance had also been extended to small and medium-sized businesses to support entrepreneurship and economic activity. Maryam further claimed that the provincial government had imposed no new taxes over the past two years.

The chief minister also highlighted the government’s anti-corruption campaign, saying strict action was being taken against officials involved in bribery. She said government employees found accepting bribes were being dismissed from their positions.

She added that the government had recovered properties occupied illegally for as long as 25 years. Operations had also been launched against land grabbers, encroachments and illegal activities, while efforts were underway to widen markets and improve commercial spaces.

Discussing the agriculture and livestock sectors, Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government had allocated a substantial budget to support farmers and strengthen agricultural production.

She said farmers were being provided with tractors at subsidised rates, along with super seeds, to improve productivity and modernise farming practices.

The chief minister also said the government was promoting digital business services to make commercial activities easier and reduce difficulties faced by entrepreneurs.

Addressing food business operators, Maryam Nawaz urged them to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to consumers. She said she did not want businesses to be shut down, but made it clear that food quality and safety standards would not be compromised.

She stressed that businesses must follow prescribed standards while the government continued efforts to facilitate commercial activities and promote industrial growth across Punjab.