Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the export of pink raw salt is halted.
Chairing a meeting to review proposals on maximising revenue from the export of pink salt, she stated, “Pink salt is like a treasure trove for Pakistan.”
She ordered the preparation of a plan to form a value-added industry of pink salt aiming to generate up to thirteen billion dollars in the next three to five years and suggested a comprehensive strategy to improve the export of pink salt.
For the extraction of minerals in Punjab, CM Punjab Maryam directed to ensure the safety of mining workers and advised them to use modern technology for better output.
The Founding Chairman of the Salts Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), Ismail Suttar declared the announcement “immature.”
Suttar said, “It is very unfortunate to witness repeated mistakes by the government, leading the industry towards a destructive path.”
“I am surprised at such a remark from the Office of the Chief Minister without considering the opinion of the salt industry stakeholders,” he concluded.