Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce a new long term lease policy for industrial land as part of broader efforts to accelerate industrial activity and restore investor confidence across the province. Official sources said the policy is intended to provide long term security to industrialists while placing new and existing industrial projects on sustainable and predictable foundations.
Under the proposed framework, industrial units will be granted land on lease for a period of 30 years or more. The lease will be linked to performance, meaning its continuation will depend on production activity, investment levels, and the operational performance of the industrial unit. The policy will apply not only to Special Economic Zones but also to all industrial estates throughout Punjab. Officials said a formal announcement is expected before the start of Ramadan.
Alongside the lease policy, the government is also working on administrative reforms and greater use of technology within the industrial sector. Secretary Industries Muhammad Umar Masood said significant changes are being introduced to improve ease of doing business for industrialists. He said a technology based one window system is being developed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, with the aim of simplifying approvals and improving transparency in monitoring and enforcement.
Officials said the reforms are designed to reduce human intervention by limiting unnecessary inspections and repeated administrative interference. At the same time, the government is placing increased emphasis on public private partnership models to support industrial development by making better use of private sector expertise and investment capacity.
Representatives of the industrial sector have also highlighted the pressures currently facing businesses. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the sector is under strain due to high electricity costs, elevated interest rates, and a heavy tax burden. According to the chamber, the proposed lease policy and administrative reforms could help stabilise industrial activity and contribute to rebuilding investor confidence.
Government officials have described the initiative as an important step towards improved use of industrial land, stronger protection of investment, and more coherent long term industrial planning in Punjab. They said effective implementation of the policy could support industrial expansion, create employment opportunities, and generate wider economic activity across the province.