LAHORE — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) Plan 2026–29, a comprehensive economic strategy worth Rs1,995.3 billion aimed at positioning Punjab as an export-led industrial hub.
The roadmap targets an additional $6.8 billion in exports, 162,000 new direct jobs and improved livelihood opportunities for more than one million people.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said:
“Punjab is ready to move towards a new model of economic growth—one driven by industry, innovation, value addition and exports. Our objective is to create an environment where businesses can invest with confidence, industries can expand and our people can access better employment and livelihood opportunities.”
CM Maryam Nawaz brings global diplomats, industrial giants and financial leaders
The launch brought together a distinguished gathering of leading corporate figures, economic policymakers, international development agencies and diplomats at the invitation of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Prominent business figures, including Mian Mansha, Arif Habib, Fawad Mukhtar, Ziad Bashir and Osman Khalid Waheed, attended the ceremony, signalling strong private-sector interest in the initiative.
The financial sector was represented by State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, alongside the heads and senior executives of major commercial banks and financial institutions.
International participants included foreign ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of key international development partners, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations organisations.
Senior government officials, led by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, were also present, along with provincial cabinet ministers, administrative secretaries and district focal officers, who outlined the government’s operational commitments.
Addressing the business community, the Chief Minister said:
“My message to investors and industrialists across Pakistan and around the world is clear: Punjab welcomes your investment. We want to work with you, facilitate your businesses and create the conditions in which enterprises can grow. The government will facilitate, while industry will lead.”
CONCESSIONAL FINANCING AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT AT THE HEART OF PIVOT
A key pillar of the PIVOT framework is the Strategic Trade Enhancement Programme (STEP), supported by a newly introduced digital portal.
Under the programme, the government plans to provide Rs300 billion in concessional financing at rates ranging from zero to five percent for eligible business sectors, giving enterprises access to lower-cost capital for expansion, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
This financing arrangement forms part of a broader investment framework combining Rs1,089 billion in public investment with a target of Rs906 billion in private-sector investment.
The Chief Minister said:
“We do not view economic growth as the responsibility of the government alone. Sustainable growth requires private investment, a strong industrial base and a partnership in which the public sector enables the private sector to innovate, produce and compete. PIVOT is designed to turn that partnership into measurable economic progress.”
INDUSTRIAL MODERNISATION, VALUE ADDITION AND EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS
The plan allocates Rs753.7 billion to strengthening industrial output, encouraging value addition and building long-term export competitiveness.
To address operational costs and energy-related challenges, the government has earmarked Rs50 billion for solar power installations and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
An additional Rs50 billion has been allocated for machinery duty reimbursements to encourage manufacturers to modernise their factories, adopt advanced technologies and meet international quality standards.
The programme focuses on key manufacturing value chains, including garments and textiles, sporting goods, leather and footwear, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, fans, cutlery, steel and ceramics.
Modern testing laboratories, certification facilities and plug-and-play industrial infrastructure are also planned to help businesses meet international compliance requirements and gain access to export markets.
The Chief Minister said:
“Our industries must not be limited to producing more; they must produce better products, add greater value and compete in international markets. We want Punjab’s manufacturers to have access to modern technology, reliable energy solutions, quality infrastructure and the financing they need to expand their businesses and exports.”
AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-PROCESSING: MOVING UP THE VALUE CHAIN
To move agriculture beyond raw commodity production towards higher-value processing, PIVOT includes plans to establish four specialised agro-processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar.
These facilities are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, modernise food-processing infrastructure and integrate agricultural producers into higher-value supply chains.
Agricultural value-chain initiatives include enhancing the value of wheat products, improving the quality of citrus fruits, potatoes and mangoes, and expanding market access for these crops.
The programme also includes targeted export financing for horticulture and floriculture, alongside plans to establish dedicated horticulture authorities in 20 districts.
The initiative further supports commercial expansion across livestock, dairy, aquaculture, halal meat and milk-related value chains, with the objective of improving productivity and creating new export opportunities.
TOURISM, TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Beyond industrial and agricultural production, the plan extends to tourism, digital services and workforce development.
Tourism infrastructure will be upgraded to create new economic opportunities at tourist destinations, improve facilities for visitors and encourage private-sector investment in hospitality and related services.
To bridge the gap between vocational education and workplace requirements, the programme aims to train 402,060 individuals over three years.
The focus will be on industry-aligned, demand-driven skills required by modern manufacturing, emerging business sectors and technology-oriented enterprises.
The Chief Minister said:
“Our young people must be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Skills development must respond to the actual needs of industry and the changing demands of the economy. We want training to lead to employment, entrepreneurship and better livelihoods.”
BUSINESS REFORMS AND DIGITAL INVESTOR FACILITATION
To improve the business environment, PIVOT introduces regulatory and administrative reforms aimed at simplifying business operations and attracting long-term investment.
Through the E-Biz digital initiative, the provincial government aims to digitise 300 public and administrative services to make business processes more accessible, efficient and transparent.
The programme also aims to bring 2,000 businesses onto e-commerce platforms, alongside modernising labour laws, reforming public-private partnership mechanisms and implementing approved schemes for leasing state land across nine productive economic sectors.
The Chief Minister said:
“Investors should spend their time building businesses, creating jobs and expanding production—not navigating unnecessary administrative hurdles. We are working to make government services simpler, more accessible and more transparent.”
TRACKED, TRACEABLE AND ACCOUNTABLE IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation and accountability will be supported by a central governance framework led by a PIVOT Board, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on behalf of the Chief Minister.
Operational coordination will be managed by a dedicated PIVOT Secretariat in the Planning and Development Department, alongside a PIVOT Cell within the Chief Secretary’s Office.
Deputy commissioners will serve as focal persons at the district level.
Implementation will be monitored through a central PIVOT Dashboard and an Industry Scorecard, with defined milestones, measurable performance indicators and regular reviews to track progress, identify bottlenecks and strengthen departmental accountability.
Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman outlined the implementation arrangements and confirmed that the plan would be made operational within six months.
The Chief Minister said:
“PIVOT will not remain merely a document of targets and commitments. Its implementation will be tracked, its progress measured and its results assessed. Every initiative must translate into real investment, stronger businesses, increased exports and better opportunities for the people of Punjab.”
PRIVATE-SECTOR CONFIDENCE AND INVESTMENT MOMENTUM
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasised that the Chief Minister’s vision for PIVOT was to position the government as an enabler and facilitator of business activity, allowing the private sector to drive economic expansion.
Demonstrating private-sector investment interest at the launch, prominent real estate developer Arif Habib announced plans to construct Pakistan’s tallest commercial tower at CBD One in Lahore, highlighting investment activity associated with Punjab’s development agenda.
PIVOT sets out a three-year framework to translate Punjab’s economic potential into investment, stronger industrial capacity, higher exports, improved skills and greater employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister concluded:
“Our ambition is to build a Punjab where businesses can grow, industries can compete globally, our farmers can earn more from their produce and our young people can find meaningful opportunities. We are opening the doors to investment and partnership. Together, we can turn Punjab’s economic potential into prosperity.”
