Chaudhary Shafay Chairs PSIC Board Meeting, Approves Artisan Village Upgrades and Loan Schemes

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan | January 30, 2026
Lahore: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhary Shafay Hussain chaired an important board meeting of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) at PSIC House, focusing on industrial development, artisan support, and women entrepreneurship.
The board reviewed a 12-point agenda, approving the upgradation of Metal Crafts Artisan Village in Kot Abdul Malik at a cost of 11.55 million rupees, and the renovation of Gandhara Art Village in Taxila, including the training hall, at 26 million rupees.
To promote cottage industries, the board approved a new interest-free loan scheme of 150 million rupees for artisans, allowing loans of up to 500,000 rupees for 429 artisans. Additionally, a 50-million-rupee interest-free loan scheme was approved for graduates of Women Business Incubation Centers, benefiting 143 women entrepreneurs. Plans were also approved for the establishment of Women Business Incubation Centers in Layyah, Multan, and Gujrat.
The board endorsed the PC-1 for a Small Industrial Estate in Mandi Bahauddin and a regional PSIC office in Gujrat, along with management boards for Small Industrial Estates in Sahiwal, Sargodha, Jhelum, and Taxila. A five-year revenue generation plan for PSIC was also approved.
While addressing the meeting, Chaudhary Shafay Hussain emphasized that the artisan villages would be upgraded into modern production centers, with tourism-friendly features and canteen facilities at Kot Abdul Malik. He stated that interest-free loan schemes are stimulating economic activity across Punjab, and directed improvements in the Punjab Assembly Handicrafts Shop and ongoing industrial infrastructure programs in the province’s 24 Small Industrial Estates.
Managing Director PSIC Saira Umar briefed the board on agenda items, noting that 400 women entrepreneurs have received training from the Women Business Incubation Center in Lahore. The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries Omar Masood, MD PSIC Saira Umar, and board members.