Punjab steps up measures to boost business, investment

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the provincial government is taking concrete steps to encourage business activity, draw investment, speed up industrial growth and generate jobs, according to Business Recorder. He made the remarks at the Third Business Excellence Awards and Conference 2026 in Lahore on Thursday, which was organised by Tajiran Ittehad Group All Pakistan and Events Media (Pvt) Limited. He described facilitating businesses and treating the private sector as a partner in development as central to the government's economic policy.

Shuja-ur-Rehman said that starting and expanding enterprises is being eased through the Asaan Karobar Card and Asaan Karobar Finance schemes, which provide interest-free financing to small and medium entrepreneurs. Business facilitation centres have also been set up so that investors can obtain NOCs, licences and permits from several departments under one roof, which he said cuts procedural delays. The objective is to widen economic activity and create jobs across the province.

He stressed that industrial development, investment and export growth are basic pillars of Punjab's progress, and that cooperation between government and business is needed to reach economic goals. Shuja-ur-Rehman also credited industrialists, traders and investors with boosting domestic production, employment and exports, and said the awards recognise hard work, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. At the event he presented Business Excellence Awards to business leaders recognised for outstanding performance across sectors.