Complete guide on the Pink Salt Loan Scheme — a 0% Interest (Bila-Sood) financing initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Secure interest-free business financing from PKR 5 Million to 50 Million over 5 years to establish modern Pink Salt processing, optical sorting, micro-milling, and export packaging plants in Punjab.
Pakistan holds the world's largest reserve of premium Himalayan Pink Rock Salt. Historically, raw salt was exported at low rates ($40–$60 per ton) and rebranded abroad. This scheme provides soft capital to transform raw salt into refined, packaged export goods worth $300–$1,000+ per ton.
Funds can be used to purchase optical color sorters, stainless steel pulverizers, micro-refining plants, vacuum packaging lines, and salt block shaping equipment.
A 110-acre state-of-the-art Mineral Processing Zone in Quaidabad, Khushab is equipped with industrial electricity, water supply, and road networks for over 200 units.
Beneficiaries repay only the principal loan amount over 5 years. Commercial bank interest rates are 100% subsidized by the Government of Punjab.
Comparing international export pricing: Unprocessed raw salt rock vs. value-added Pakistani pink salt products.
Established by the Government of Punjab near Quaidabad, Khushab District—right at the foot of the Salt Range—to house 200+ processing units.
Projects under these categories receive high priority during departmental evaluation.
Stainless steel pulverizers, optical color sorters, and vacuum packaging machines for retail salt jars.
Precision drilling and lathe tools for crafting natural USB salt lamps, candle holders, and wooden base lamps.
Machinery to produce 8x4x2 inch salt bricks used in salt therapy rooms, saunas, and culinary salt slabs.
Hanging livestock mineral salt blocks with rope handles for dairy farms and veterinary export markets.
Estimate your monthly principal installment and government markup subsidy.
Verify if your business qualifies before starting your official online application:
Four straightforward steps to submit your application on the official portal:
Visit `pinksalt.punjab.gov.pk` and register your institutional profile using CNIC, NTN, and business credentials.
Upload your technical project feasibility detailing plant capacity, machinery specs, and estimated output.
The Directorate General of Mines & Minerals reviews the technical proposal and verifies eligibility parameters.
Upon formal approval, funds are disbursed through partner commercial banks under the 0% interest agreement.
Yes. The Government of Punjab has allocated PKR 1.456 Billion to fully subsidize commercial bank markup costs. Beneficiaries only pay back the principal loan amount over 5 years.
Yes. Both existing mine leaseholders/salt processors and new entrepreneurs holding a valid CNIC, Punjab domicile, NTN, and a clear e-CIB report are eligible to apply.
The minimum financing limit is PKR 5 Million (50 Lakh) and the maximum limit is PKR 50 Million (5 Crore) per business project.
The official 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone is situated in Quaidabad, Khushab District, Punjab, accommodating over 200 industrial value-addition units.
