LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved the features of an industrial development and export promotion scheme aimed at boosting manufacturing, promoting locally produced goods and expanding the province’s export potential, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Monday.
Speaking to the media at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), alongside Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, Bokhari said the provincial government was focusing on increasing exports of products manufactured in Punjab.
She emphasised the need to establish a distinct Pakistani identity for locally manufactured goods, saying products made in the province should carry the “Made in Pakistan” label and be introduced to international markets under that identity.
The minister described the cabinet’s approval as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen industrial activity and promote exports. However, she did not disclose the scheme’s financial allocation, implementation timeline or specific incentives for manufacturers and exporters.
The initiative is expected to support the government’s efforts to improve the visibility of Pakistani products and encourage businesses to explore international markets. Its eventual impact will depend on the scheme’s implementation, the support provided to industries and the ability of local manufacturers to compete internationally.
Warning against unsubstantiated allegations
During the media briefing, Bokhari also addressed the issue of allegations circulated on social media, saying individuals could not make accusations without accountability.
She said journalists making baseless allegations would be sent notices, underscoring the government’s stated position on addressing what it considers misinformation.
Her remarks highlighted the continuing debate over social media content, journalistic responsibility and the need to distinguish substantiated reporting from unverified claims.
Punjab approves 1,500 additional electric buses
Separately, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said the Punjab government was continuing efforts to improve public transport services across the province.
He said 1,100 electric buses were currently operating in Punjab and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved an additional 1,500 buses on Monday.
According to the minister, the latest approval would help expand public transport capacity and improve access to transport services for commuters across the province.
He added that the total number of buses in Punjab was expected to reach 3,000 by the end of the year.
The expansion is part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen public transport infrastructure and increase the availability of electric buses. A larger electric bus fleet could also support the transition towards cleaner public transport, although the overall benefits will depend on deployment, charging infrastructure and service coverage.
The government has not provided further details about the procurement schedule, routes or the distribution of the additional buses across Punjab.
