ISLAMABAD – A high-level meeting was held on Friday between Prime Minister’s Special Assistant, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA). Present at the meeting were PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umar Rehan, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production Saif Anjum, and representatives of the ghee industry. The discussions focused in detail on the challenges facing the ghee manufacturing sector. Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged the concerns raised by the industry and assured them of the government’s support.
“We fully recognise the issues being faced by the ghee sector and are committed to not putting the industry under any additional pressure,” said Haroon Akhtar Khan.
He further assured that all outstanding dues will be paid promptly. “The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will ensure the timely disbursement of all pending payments,” he stated. While acknowledging that cash disbursements take time, he emphasized that efforts will be made to expedite the process.
Haroon Akhtar also highlighted the government’s recent efforts in supporting low-income families, stating, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif successfully delivered the Ramadan package directly to deserving households.” He reiterated the Ministry of Industries and Production’s dedication to resolving the industry’s concerns and emphasised, “The government and the Ministry of Industries and production are always available to support and address your issues.” “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to taking every possible step for the facilitation of the business community,” Haroon Akhtar Khan concluded.
Meanwhile, in a significant move to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement and clinker exports, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, on Friday, convened an important meeting of the Cement and Clinker Export Task Force.
The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive strategy to boost cement sector exports and address existing challenges.
The government and industry representatives committed to working collaboratively to improve the export competitiveness of the cement sector. Key obstacles discussed included axle load tax, storage issues, congestion at ports, and railway connectivity.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised the government’s full support for the cement industry to overcome export barriers, stating, “The government will provide complete backing to the cement industry to facilitate and increase exports.”
He called on all related institutions to join hands and work in coordination to find effective solutions to these challenges, highlighting that “cooperation and harmony among all stakeholders are essential for progress.” To strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global cement market, the special assistant stressed the need for a united and continuous effort, saying, “We must work day and night to enhance the global competitiveness of our cement.”
Further, Haroon Akhtar Khan directed the formation of sub-committees within the task force and assigned them new responsibilities to accelerate the implementation of export promotion strategies.
The Ministry of Industries and Production remains committed to supporting the cement sector as it strives to increase its footprint in international markets and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
