The Punjab government has launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs40 million to promote value-added pink salt products, boost exports, and create employment opportunities across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally launched the scheme digitally, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Punjab’s pink salt reserves into a major source of industrial growth, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
Under the scheme, entrepreneurs and investors will be able to obtain interest-free loan for businesses involved in pink salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning, packaging and the production of value-added products. The loans will be repayable in easy instalments over five years.
The government also announced the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Qaidabad in Punjab. More than 200 industrial units are expected to be set up in the zone, alongside a Business Facilitation Centre and a model retail outlet to support investors.
According to officials, the initiative is expected to attract Rs150 million in investment and create around 10,000 direct jobs. Authorities estimate that value-added pink salt exports could generate up to $300 million in annual foreign exchange.
The government added that digitising the auction process for mining leases and licences has already helped increase revenue in the mines and minerals sector.
Chief Minister Punjab Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme launched.
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 15, 2026
Soft loans upto Rs. 50 Million to boost employment, processing facilities and exports. The entire process has been digitized by Mines & Minerals Department for fast track applications and approval. pic.twitter.com/zUUp9CrYGJ
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the initiative would help increase employment, government revenue and exports while ensuring that Pakistan’s world-renowned pink salt is exported as a “Made in Pakistan” value-added product rather than as a raw material. She added that Punjab’s natural resources are a national asset and should be utilised responsibly to maximise economic benefits.
How to apply
Eligible investors can apply online through the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department’s Pink Salt portal at:
Click here: pinksalt.punjab.gov.pk
Applicants can submit their applications digitally and access information about eligibility, financing and investment opportunities through the official portal.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme:
- Must be a resident of Punjab with a valid Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
- The business must be located in Punjab, preferably in Khushab, Mianwali, Chakwal or Jhelum.
- Must be registered with the relevant authorities and be an active FBR tax filer.
- Must possess a valid National Tax Number (NTN).
- Must have a clean credit history.
- Must own or have rented business premises.
- The business must qualify as a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) under the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) definition.
- Applications will be evaluated under the scheme’s approved scoring criteria, and only those meeting the minimum qualifying threshold will be considered for further processing.
Loan details
Under the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, eligible businesses can obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million for setting up or expanding value-added pink salt enterprises.
- Maximum loan amount: Up to Rs50 million
- Type of financing: Secured SME financing
- Interest rate: 0% (interest-free)
- Loan tenure: Up to five years
- Processing fee: Rs10,000
The loans will be processed by the Bank of Punjab (BoP) in accordance with the bank’s credit policy and underwriting standards.
Grace period
Borrowers may receive a grace period of up to three months, depending on the nature of the business and project requirements.
Equity contribution
Applicants must contribute at least 25% of the total project cost. This contribution may be in the form of:
- Cash
- Land
- Building
- Installed machinery
Repayment terms
- Repayment will be made through equal monthly instalments.
- The maximum repayment period is five years.
- A late payment charge of Re1 per Rs1,000 per day will apply on overdue amounts.
Additional charges
In addition to the loan terms, borrowers will be responsible for:
- Valuation, legal, documentation and mortgage registration charges (where applicable)
- Insurance of project assets or collateral, as required by the Bank of Punjab
- Any other charges applicable under the Bank of Punjab’s financing policy
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