K-P urged to prioritise industrialisation

PESHAWAR: The Chairman Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Mr. Ashfaq Paracha, has called upon the Provincial government to give due consideration to the industrial sector by placing it at the core of the coming Budget 2026-27.

According to him, K-P had prepared a budget exceeding Rs2.1 trillion in FY2025-26 with an annual development programme of Rs547 billion for social services; however, the industrial sector lacked the requisite emphasis for economic transformation.

"Industrialization is the backbone of any economy. Regrettably, K-P keeps on exporting raw material, and its value addition is done by the other provinces. In consequence, our people remain deprived of job opportunities and prosperity," he said.

He said that the sector faced the problems of inadequate infrastructure, higher energy costs, erratic gas supply, and poor access to finance. He pointed out that K-P was rich with world-class marbles and minerals, yet its raw material is exported.

He suggested that an Industrial Development Fund may be established for upgrading the infrastructure of the industrial estate along with promoting special economic zones.