DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Provincial minister for law Aftab Alam on Tuesday chaired an important meeting of the committee formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to regularize the arms manufacturing business cluster in Darra Adamkhel, a handout said.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Small Industries Development Board, KP TEVTA, KP Economic Zone Development and Management Company, Law and Home Departments, 11 Corps, District Administration Kohat, Kohat Police, and representatives of arms manufacturing units, along with other relevant officials.
The forum reviewed progress on bringing the historic arms industry under a legal, systematic, and regulated framework to promote economic growth and ensure compliance with the law.
Chairing the meeting, provincial law minister Aftab Alam said that the arms manufacturing cluster of Darra Adamkhel holds exceptional importance due to its skilled workforce and historical significance.
He stressed that regularization of the industry is the need of the hour, as it would provide legal protection, boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and enhance government revenue.
The meeting reviewed a survey report presented by the District Administration Kohat, according to which a survey of 467 manufacturing units has been completed so far, with further scope for progress.
Participants were also briefed on the Terms of Reference (TORs) finalized after the committee’s meeting held on May 26, 2025.
It was agreed that regularization would ensure the availability of accurate data, establishment of organized product distribution centers, and improved revenue collection.
Provincial-level incentives for local industrialists, including a one-time exemption in excise duty, were also discussed.
The performance of two sub-committees was reviewed. One sub-committee is working on amendments to existing rules and regulations or the inclusion of a separate chapter for the proposed industrial zone, while the other is conducting a detailed survey to compile authentic data on manufacturing units and dealers.
The meeting also discussed stakeholder consultation, simplification of procedures, and enhanced government facilitation to ensure timely completion of the project.
The law minister informed participants that the Chief Minister was personally monitoring the initiative and had assured full provincial government support.
It was further informed that restoration and reconstruction work on the dilapidated TEVTA building in Darra Adamkhel will begin within the next month to strengthen the technical skills of local workers.
Emphasis was also laid on the formulation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for arms manufacturing and further skill development in line with the law.
It was resolved to strengthen coordination among all stakeholders to successfully implement the proposed industrial zone.
Officials of 11 Corps also suggested studying the Sialkot business cluster model for application to the Darra AdamKhel project.
