By Muhammad Saleem
Sialkot’s industries, known worldwide for sports goods and surgical instruments, are set for a major boost as Punjab prepares to build a massive new Sialkot industrial estate spread across 1,406 acres — not 400 acres as earlier reported.
Business leaders say this project could transform the city’s industrial landscape if the government ensures fair conditions and affordable energy.
Punjab Government Approves New Industrial Estate
Former president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Ikram-ul-Haq, talking to this reporter said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the project. She has asked the industries secretary to finalize the proposal and submit a summary by October 30 so that work can begin soon.
Job Creation and Export Growth Targets
Ikram said the new industrial estate is expected to create about 150,000 jobs. Under the “UDAAN Pakistan” plan, Punjab aims to achieve $10 billion in exports by 2035. “We’ll do our best to increase exports if the government gives us a fair business environment,” he said.
Why Sialkot Needed a New Industrial Zone
Explaining the need for the project, Ikram said many factories in Sialkot are stuck inside residential areas. This makes it difficult for businesses to meet environmental and social compliance standards and to get quality certifications. The city also lacks a proper sewage system, leading to repeated objections during audits and inspections.
Land Prices and Facilities in the New Estate
Land prices in Sialkot are sky-high — between Rs5 million and Rs10 million per marla (around 272 square feet). But in the new estate, industrialists can buy fully developed plots at Rs30 million to Rs40 million per acre, including development costs.
According to Ikram, Nespak has completed the project’s feasibility report. Of the 1,406 acres, around 880 acres have already been divided into plots, and industrialists have applied for about 750 acres so far.
The proposed estate will also house offices of all key government departments to ensure one-window operations and quicker approvals.
Sialkot Industrial Estate to Empower Local Businesses
Punjab MPA Naveed Ashraf told this reporter that local industrialists have been asking for such a facility for years. “This will help them relocate their factories out of the crowded city, make expansion easier, and create more job opportunities,” he said.
He added that the initiative is a welcome step from the Punjab government, calling it “a true gift” for the business community and the people of Sialkot and its surrounding areas.
Author Profile
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Muhammad Saleem is a Lahore-based journalist with a focus on environmental issues, urban development, and the challenges faced by local industries.
With years of experience reporting on the intersection of business, policy, and public health, Muhammad Saleem, brings in-depth analysis and firsthand insights into the struggles of small and medium enterprises as they navigate regulations and sustainability challenges.
