PESHAWAR, Jul 08 (APP): Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has welcomed the government’s announcement of a new industrial policy for revival of the country’s declining manufacturing sector.
However, it cautioned that without immediate, inclusive, and practical measures, the manufacturing sector—already gasping for survival—may face irreversible collapse.
Fazal Moqeem Khan, president Abdul Jalil Jan, senior vice president and Shehryar Khan, vice president and members of the SCCI’s executive committee in a joint statement issued here on Tuesday took a stance that the announcement signals recognition of the crisis, the business community, particularly industrialists, are standing at the edge of despair.
Senior office bearers went on to say that skyrocketing energy costs, an unpredictable policy environment, insecurity, and a crippling taxation regime have rendered operations unsustainable for many manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises,
“Our factories are shutting down, our machines are falling silent, and our workers are being laid off. If this continues, we won’t just lose industrial output—we’ll lose hope,” the SCCI said.
President Fazal Moqeem Khan expressed serious concern over the consistent decline in the industrial sector’s share in GDP—from 26% in 1996 to just 18% in 2025—calling it not just a number but a reflection of lost jobs, shuttered businesses, and fading confidence in Pakistan’s economic future.
The SCCI chief, while appreciating the proposed steps such as fiscal incentives, legal reforms, and industrial rehabilitation, stressed that without direct and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including regional chambers, these efforts may once again remain limited to paper.
“The policies designed in Islamabad must reflect the ground realities of Faisalabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta,” Moqeem added.
“Decisions made without us, will not serve us.”
The SCCI president emphasized that the true revival of industry requires bold political will, structural reforms, and an enabling environment where enterprise is rewarded—not punished.
Fazal Moqeem urged the government to prioritize transparency, predictability, and regional inclusivity in the implementation of this policy.
Reiterating its commitment, the SCCI president pledged full cooperation in any sincere efforts aimed at pulling the country’s industrial sector back from the brink—but warned that time is running out.
“We are not asking for favors; we are demanding our right to survive, contribute, and grow. The economy cannot thrive if its industries are in free fall.”