Cement makers decry poor law and order

Deteriorating situation puts investment at stake

LAHORE:

Cement manufacturers have expressed serious concern over the “deteriorating law and order situation”, which is putting at stake their heavy investment in expansion of production capacity.

“Law and order situation in Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kohat, Mianwali and adjacent areas has jeopardised day-to-day operations of cement units there,” said a spokesman for the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association.

He revealed that recently some workers of a cement manufacturing unit were kidnapped by terrorists and they killed one of them. “Terrorists generally demand a huge amount of money in extortion and give warnings of serious consequences in case their demand is not met,” he said.

“This is a serious situation, requiring the government to take strict measures to control and manage the law and order,” the spokesman said.

He pointed out that the cement industry was in an expansion phase as heavy investment had been planned, which could be jeopardised due to the emerging situation and it could have long-term repercussions for the industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2024.

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