Faisalabad Industrial Zone to usher in new era of investment, employment: Qaiser Sheikh

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jun, 2026) Federal Minister for board of Investment Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh on Saturday said that Faisalabad Industrial Zone would usher in a new era of investment, industrial growth and employment while the government was simultaneously prioritizing the provision of free quality healthcare and other essential services to the people living in rural areas.

Talking to the media during his visit to a free medical camp, organised by local notables in collaboration with Islamia Hospital Chiniot at Chak No.134 Loonay Wala near Chiniot, the federal minister said that the government was pursuing comprehensive reforms to make Pakistan a more attractive, secure and business-friendly destination for domestic and foreign investors by ensuring public welfare at the heart of its development agenda.

He said that economic growth and public welfare were closely linked and the government was advancing investment, employment generation, infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives simultaneously to achieve sustainable national progress.

He said that mega projects such as Faisalabad Industrial Zone would significantly enhance local and foreign investment, create thousands of dignified employment opportunities for young people and stimulate economic activity across the region.

He said that Board of Investment was introducing wide-ranging reforms to improve the ease of doing business by gradually eliminating unnecessary approvals, complicated licensing procedures and administrative hurdles. These measures would enable investors to establish and expand businesses with great confidence, he added.

He said that the government had offered attractive incentives for investors in Special Economic Zones including exemptions from customs duties and taxes on imported machinery and income tax relief for up to nine years. These incentives would encourage industrial expansion, increase exports, establish new manufacturing units and strengthen the national economy, he added.

Describing Faisalabad Industrial Zone near Chiniot as a game-changing project for the regional economy, the minister said that several international companies had already expressed interest in investing in Pakistan due to government's investor-friendly policies. The benefits of these investments would extend beyond industry to the trade, transport, construction and services sectors, he added.

He said that economic policies introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had received international recognition while overseas Pakistanis were also showing growing confidence in improving investment climate of the country.

He said that reduction in duties on industrial raw materials, abolition of super tax for exporters and other industry-friendly measures would help increase exports and further strengthen the national economy.

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Highlighting the government's healthcare initiatives, the minister said that ensuring access to quality medical facilities for rural populations is one of the foremost priorities.

He said that free medical camps were being organized every three to four weeks in different villages where specialist doctors provided free consultations, diagnostic services, medical advice and medicines to deserving patients.

He appreciated the efforts of Islamia Hospital Chiniot for organizing medical camp in a remote rural area with the participation of experienced specialists including renowned paediatrician Dr. Akhlaq.

He said that the doctors whose services were often beyond the financial reach of ordinary citizens were providing free treatment to deserving patients through such welfare initiatives.

He said that regular free medical camps in rural areas were helping bring quality healthcare services within the reach of underserved communities.

The minister called upon philanthropists and welfare organizations to actively support similar initiatives so that a large number of underprivileged people could benefit from quality healthcare services.

Referring to infrastructure development, Qaiser Sheikh said that the government was continuously improving roads, communication networks and other public infrastructure in rural areas, making access to healthcare, education and other essential services easier than ever before.

He described the Chiniot-Rajoa Road as a milestone project that had become a lifeline for the region by improving connectivity between Faisalabad and Chiniot and facilitating economic, educational and healthcare access for millions of residents of adjoining villages.

Talking about education, the federal minister referred to the establishment of FAST National University campus near the corridor and said that this institution followed strict merit-based admission policy without any exception. Even members of his own family could not secure admission without meeting the prescribed merit criteria, he added.

During visit, the federal minister met specialist doctors, reviewed the medical facilities being provided at the camp and interacted with the patients receiving treatment.

He appreciated the healthcare services being offered and said that such welfare initiatives not only provided relief to poor and deserving patients but also promoted the spirit of social service and community welfare.

Earlier, local dignitaries including Chairman Muhammad Ali Noor, Chaudhary Hijaz Loona, Chaudhary Zubair Loona, Chaudhary Muhammad Hussain Loona, Allah Ditta, Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain and Barrister Muhammad Mansha warmly welcomed the federal minister and hosted a reception in his honour.