Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif Launches Historic Rs1.99 Trillion Pivot Economic Plan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled the Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) Plan 2026–29, a Rs1,995.3 billion economic strategy aimed at transforming Punjab into an export-driven industrial hub. The ambitious roadmap sets targets of $6.8 billion in additional exports, 162,000 new direct jobs and support for over one million livelihoods.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Nawaz emphasized Punjab's readiness to embrace a new economic growth model centered around industry, innovation, value addition and exports. The plan brings together an array of corporate leaders, policymakers, international development agencies and diplomats, highlighting private-sector engagement.

Financial sector representation includes State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, alongside senior executives of major commercial banks and financial institutions. International stakeholders, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations organizations, also participated in the launch. Key components of the PIVOT framework include the Strategic Trade Enhancement Programme (STEP), offering eligible businesses Rs300 billion in concessional financing at rates between zero and five percent.

The government aims to invest Rs1,089 billion in public projects alongside a target of Rs906 billion in private-sector investment. Public investment is directed towards strengthening industrial output, encouraging value addition and building export competitiveness. Additionally, Rs50 billion is allocated for solar power installations and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), while another Rs50 billion is earmarked for machinery duty reimbursements to incentivize modernization and technology adoption among manufacturers.

The plan also focuses on upgrading agriculture through specialized agro-processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and integrate agricultural producers into higher-value supply chains. Furthermore, investment in tourism infrastructure, digital services and workforce development is envisioned to enhance Punjab's appeal as an international destination and foster skills aligned with modern manufacturing demands.