LAHORE:The Punjab Cabinet has approved a project aimed at increasing the production of pink salt and promoting its sale in international markets as a value-added, packaged product.
According to official documents, the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department had prepared a comprehensive plan to market pink salt globally under the name ‘Pink Salt Pakistan Brand’ and in this regard a summary of the project has been approved by the provincial cabinet.
The plan includes the provision of interest-free loans to encourage investment in pink salt processing and value addition. Under the ‘CM Punjab Value Addition Finance for Pink Salt’ initiative, interest-free loans worth Rs5 billion will be provided to enhance production capacity. The summary states that pink salt, found exclusively in Punjab, has natural reserves in Mianwali, Khushab, Chakwal, and Jhelum districts. The government aims to promote local branding of pink salt to strengthen exports in global markets.
The provincial cabinet has also approved the establishment of Special Mineral Processing Zones in Quaidabad. In addition, a ban has been imposed on the export of pink salt in raw form to ensure value addition within the province. According to the summary, the initiative is expected to boost business activity, create employment opportunities, and increase foreign exchange earnings through the export of processed pink salt.
