OPF and Green Energy Group Sign MOU to Build Green Industrial Economic Zone in Punjab

The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has taken a major step toward building a new Green Industrial Economic Zone in Punjab. OPF and the Green Energy Group signed an MOU on Tuesday, 28th July, to develop the project together, and it has now received in-principle approval from the Punjab government.

What the Zone Will Include

The announcement was made after a meeting between the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and a delegation from OPF. OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza briefed the Chief Minister on the plan, explaining how the zone will combine industrial growth with clean energy.

The proposed zone is designed to run almost entirely on renewable power. It will include solar, wind, hydropower and ground source energy, supported by battery storage and high-voltage backup systems. The goal is to give industries in the zone a power supply that is both reliable and sustainable, something that has long been a challenge for manufacturers in the region.

Jobs and Revenue Expected

The zone is expected to create more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs once fully operational. It is also projected to generate over Rs 5.6 billion in annual revenue, much of it tied to environmentally friendly exports.

Beyond the immediate economic impact, the project is also framed as part of Pakistan's wider push toward its net-zero goals. By reducing carbon emissions from industrial activity, the zone aims to show that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Incentives for Investors

The Chief Minister used the meeting to reaffirm Punjab's openness to investment from every sector, both local and international. She pointed to two recent initiatives designed to make that easier: a Zero Time to Start policy, which allows businesses to begin operations without unnecessary delays, and a one-window system that speeds up approvals and other official processes.

She also emphasised the province's commitment to removing administrative barriers and building a secure, business-friendly environment. According to the Chief Minister, Punjab's ambition is to become a leading hub for green industries, clean energy projects and international trade.

OPF's Role in the Project

For OPF, this MOU represents a concrete move toward turning that ambition into reality. By joining forces with the Green Energy Group, OPF is positioning itself at the centre of one of Punjab's most ambitious green industrial projects to date. It is a partnership that brings together infrastructure, renewable energy expertise and government backing, with the shared aim of creating jobs, boosting exports and supporting Pakistan's transition to a cleaner economy.

As the project moves from approval toward implementation, more details are expected on timelines, investment opportunities and how local and overseas investors can get involved.