LAHORE, Jan 26 (ABC): Industrial activity has started at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, as 11 factories have begun production. The development marks a major milestone in Punjab’s industrial growth plan.
More units under construction
Maj (retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman of the Punjab Industrial Development and Management Company, told Wealth Pakistan that work is ongoing on 43 more industrial units. He said some units are under construction, while others are close to completion.
He added that local and foreign investors have committed investments worth Rs174 billion. These investments are expected to materialise in the near term.
Strategic location boosts investor interest
The business park is located near Sheikhupura on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2). The site offers easy access to Lahore and other major cities. This strong connectivity has increased investor interest in the project.
Incentives and labour facilities
The project spreads over 1,860 acres. Out of this, 200 acres are reserved for a labour colony. The colony can house about 30,000 workers.
The government has declared the park a Special Economic Zone. Investors will receive a one-time exemption on customs duty for imported machinery. They will also enjoy a 10-year income tax holiday.
Modern infrastructure and facilities
Officials said the master plan includes modern offices and cluster-based industrial zones. A 200,000-square-foot Center Way Business Square is under construction at the centre of the park.
Authorities also plan to build a dedicated motorway interchange. In addition, the project includes a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant to support environmental compliance.
Job creation and women participation
Javed Iqbal said the project will create around 250,000 jobs. These jobs will include both skilled and unskilled workers. He added that the project aims to increase women’s participation in the industrial workforce.
Garment City to support textile sector
The business park will also feature a Garment City spread over 90,000 square feet. The facility will include multi-storey buildings. These buildings will support manufacturing, storage and business operations in the textile and garment sector.
Dedicated power supply ensured
To ensure uninterrupted electricity, the National Grid Company of Pakistan has energised a dedicated 220-kilovolt grid station in Sheikhupura.
Officials said the grid station cost more than Rs4 billion. It was completed under the Cash Deposit Loan facility. The station will meet the power needs of large industrial units in the zone.
Business community welcomes progress
The business community has welcomed the development. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said several industrial groups are investing due to tax incentives.
He added that the business park will help boost exports, especially in textiles and garments.