Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of a Special Saudi Industrial Estate in Punjab, offering a 10-year income tax exemption and a one-time customs duty waiver to attract Saudi investors. A fast-track facilitation desk will be set up in the CM Office to expedite all approvals for Saudi projects.
The announcement came during a high-profile meeting with a delegation of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council, led by Prince Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Saad Al Saud, Chairman of the Pak-Saudi Business Forum. The Chief Minister, welcoming the guests in Arabic, highlighted Punjab’s vast investment potential in energy, agriculture, mining, logistics, IT, and tourism, describing the province as “the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.”
She said, “Punjab’s investment policy is clear, no delay, immediate delivery,” and proposed forming joint working groups in priority sectors. The Saudi delegation expressed interest in livestock, mining, meat processing, IT, and infrastructure.
The CM praised the historic defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it “a manifestation of our shared commitment to protect the Two Holy Mosques.” She lauded King Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for leading Saudi Arabia on a path of progress and elevating the Muslim Ummah’s stature.
Maryam Nawaz also announced that the Punjab Mass Transit Authority had offered operational support for the Holy Metro Train in Makkah. Recalling her years spent in Saudi Arabia, she described the Kingdom as “our second home” and said Pakistan-Saudi ties were based on “faith, belief, and a bond of heart.”
Prince Mansoor appreciated the CM’s leadership and hospitality, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest and assist Pakistan. The evening concluded with a traditional dinner hosted in honour of the Saudi delegation at CM House.
