DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A high-level delegation representing major investment groups in the cement industry met with Abdul Karim Tordher, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Industries, at the Civil Secretariat Peshawar on Friday to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
The delegation was led by Cherat Cement CEO Azam Farooq, and included senior officials from Bestway Cement, Cherat Cement, and Lucky Cement.
Officials from the provincial government, including Secretary Industries Aamir Afaq, Deputy Secretary Finance Saeed Ahmed, and officers from the Minerals, Investment, and Licensing departments also attended the meeting.
The delegation highlighted various issues facing the cement industry, particularly related to the Forest and Environment Department, and urged the government to ease regulatory hurdles that were discouraging further investment in the province.
They also discussed the need for affordable and reliable power supply at the provincial level for industrial use.
In response, the Special Assistant informed them that the KP government has formed a committee under the Chief Minister’s directive to address forest and environment-related challenges and to establish sustainable SOPs for the sector.
Special Assistant further noted that a separate committee under the Finance Advisor has been constituted to explore affordable energy solutions for industries, with participation from the Energy and Power Department.
He encouraged cement groups to invest in transmission line infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted power to industrial zones.
Acknowledging the cement industry’s contribution to provincial revenues and job creation, Tordher reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting industrial development.
“Despite many challenges, the cement sector continues to grow. We will support initiatives that create value, attract investment, and benefit the people of KP,” he said.
