Public-private partnership in Punjab to serve as blueprint for other provinces: Marriyum

Inaugural investment conference in Lahore marks significant step towards bolstering investment in province

The inaugural investment conference held in Lahore on Tuesday has marked a significant step towards bolstering investment prospects in Punjab, according to an official statement.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, addressing the ceremony, underscored Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's commitment to fostering a robust public-private partnership model within the province.

Highlighting the success of previous endeavours, Aurangzeb cited the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway as a prime example of a fruitful public-private partnership project initiated by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. She noted that Punjab's GDP stands at over $225 billion, which is more than 33 countries of the world.

Aurangzeb emphasised the resilience of Nawaz Sharif's vision for public-private partnerships, which she asserted had withstood heavy criticism and unfounded allegations over time.

The minister affirmed the government's dedication to adopting best practices from successful nations, tailoring a public-private partnership framework accordingly.

Read more: Marriyum Aurangzeb: A trailblazer in politics and conservation

She disclosed that comprehensive reforms, streamlined procedures, and obstacle-free pathways have been devised, awaiting approval from CM Maryam.

With a focus on infrastructure, Aurangzeb pledged to integrate suggestions from the private sector and experts into the framework. "Our aim is to foster connectivity among cities through an extensive network of highways, facilitating both travel and commerce," she declared.

The minister said that the provincial government will carry forward the development vision of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.

Aurangzeb lamented the substantial losses incurred by obstructing projects during 2017-2018, emphasising the importance of efficient governance and collaboration.

She underscored the potential of Punjab's public-private partnership model to serve as a blueprint for other provinces, fostering economic growth and prosperity across the nation.