Business leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have urged the provincial government to make industrial development a key focus of Budget 2026-27. According to Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) KP Chairman Ashfaq Paracha, sustainable economic growth, job creation, export expansion, and increased revenue generation can only be achieved through a stronger industrial sector.
Despite the province presenting a budget exceeding Rs2.1 trillion and allocating substantial development funds, stakeholders believe that industrial growth has not received the priority it deserves. They highlighted several challenges affecting industries, including weak infrastructure, rising energy costs, irregular gas supply, and limited access to financing.
Paracha pointed out that KP possesses abundant marble and mineral resources, yet most of these resources leave the province in raw or semi-processed form. The value addition process takes place elsewhere, depriving local communities of employment opportunities and economic benefits.
The business community has recommended establishing an Industrial Development Fund, upgrading industrial estates, accelerating work on Special Economic Zones, and creating investment-friendly policies. Experts believe these measures could transform KP into an industrial hub, increase exports, strengthen the tax base, and provide long-term prosperity for the province.
