Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a Rs5 billion interest-free financing scheme for pink salt value addition. Under the scheme, businesses can receive financing of up to Rs50 million. The Punjab government will bear Rs1.456 billion in interest costs under the programme.

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The chief minister distributed cheques among 10 businesspersons who secured loans under the initiative. She urged businesses to process, package and market pink salt internationally under the Pakistani brand.

The government is also developing a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone in Quaidabad. Officials said the zone will accommodate around 200 value-additio...