Current status (October 2026): NEWLY LAUNCHED. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the scheme on October 1, 2026 at a cheque distribution ceremony, handing cheques to the first 10 businesspeople who obtained interest-free loans.
What Is the Scheme?
The Punjab Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme is the province’s first dedicated financing program for pink rock salt. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said “the time has come for the world to know who owns the treasure of pink salt” — noting that in the past, other countries bought Pakistan’s salt cheaply and earned millions of dollars from it. The scheme funds value addition, processing, and global branding under “Made in Pakistan” instead of raw exports.
Scheme Details
- Total financing: Rs5 billion in interest-free loans.
- Per-borrower limit: up to Rs50 million.
- Interest: zero for borrowers — the Punjab government pays Rs1.456 billion in interest.
- Purpose: pink salt value addition — processing, packaging, branding, and export.
- Jobs: the scheme is expected to create significant new employment in the salt value chain.
Who Is It For?
Entrepreneurs and businesspeople in pink salt mining, processing, and value-added products (edible salt, salt lamps, spa and wellness products, export packaging). The Chief Minister personally interacted with the first recipients about their value-added products and directed that loans reach more people.
The Quaidabad Estate
A complete estate is being developed at Quaidabad on 110 acres specifically for pink salt value addition — a special industrial cluster with the Quaidabad Pink Salt Processing Unit, designed to concentrate processors, exporters, and support services in one place.
How to Apply
- Application procedures will be announced through official Punjab government and Mines & Minerals Department channels.
- Prepare: business registration, project/value-addition plan, and standard financial documents.
- Warning: as of October 13, 2026, only the launch had been announced. Do not pay any agent or middleman claiming to secure these loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Businesspeople and entrepreneurs working in pink salt processing and value-added products. The CM directed that loans be issued to more people under the scheme.
How much loan can I get?
Individual loans of up to Rs50 million, from a total scheme size of Rs5 billion in interest-free financing.
Is the loan really interest-free?
Yes. The Punjab government pays Rs1.456 billion in interest on the scheme, so borrowers repay only the principal.
How do I apply?
Watch official Punjab government and Mines & Minerals Department announcements for the application procedure. Details beyond the launch announcement were not published as of October 13, 2026 — do not pay any middlemen.
Disclaimer: This is an informational page only and is not the official portal of the government. Always verify details through official government announcements.
