Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has extended an offer of technical assistance to the federal government for the digitization of business processes, during a meeting with a special committee led by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. The meeting, also attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce Ehsan Afzal Khan, focused on reforms to enhance the ease of doing business in the region.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the federal reform committee acknowledged the Punjab government’s initiatives to attract investment and improve the business environment. Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that Punjab had already implemented several committee-recommended measures to support businesses and industry, commending the efforts of CM Punjab and her team as evident in the province’s development projects.
During the discussions, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of industrialization for economic growth and local industry promotion as a means to generate employment. She highlighted the ongoing revamp of skills development programs under a unified framework, with sector-specific training showing positive outcomes.
The chief minister further stated that Punjab is expanding its tax base and enhancing revenue collection without the imposition of new taxes. Efforts to facilitate businesses are being made with consideration of ground realities. Plans to develop hubs for cottage industries and promote livestock farming to boost meat exports were also revealed.
Officials highlighted the success of the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme, which has provided Rs70 billion in interest-free loans, supporting 112,000 businesses. Progress under the province’s eBiz platform was also noted, offering 437 services through 28 departments under a single-window system, with over 210,000 applications currently being processed.
The Maryam Ki Dastak initiative has delivered 4.5 million digital services to citizens, with a reduction in lengthy documentation requirements. CM Punjab expressed confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s dedication to promoting investment and the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to enhance the investment climate.