SAPM announces formation of APCTMA, EDB committee
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a high-level meeting with the All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association Friday.
The meeting was attended by representatives from 10 Pakistani manufacturers and four Chinese manufacturers.
Key issues discussed included the tariff policy, customs duties, exports and imports, and the need for tariff protection for the local ceramic tiles industry.
Speaking at the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan appreciated the role played by the tiles industry in Pakistan's industrial development. 'I am fully aware of the challenges faced by tile manufacturers and I will personally advocate for your cause,' he stated.
SAPM directed the tile manufacturers to submit a detailed report outlining the specific reasons why higher protection is necessary for the industry. He further instructed that the report must quantify cost disadvantages as a percentage of total production costs.
In a major development, Haroon Akhtar Khan announced the formation of a joint committee comprising members of the Tiles Manufacturers Association and the Engineering Development Board (EDB). The committee has been tasked to present a progress report by Thursday.
'The government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to supporting and revitalizing the industrial sector,' SAPM emphasized. 'We are strongly defending the case for industries, including tiles, in the National Tariff Policy Board.'
Haroon Akhtar reiterated his vision to see Pakistani manufacturers become regionally competitive and assured that Chinese manufacturers, as partners and friends, will continue to receive full support.
'No industry will be allowed to shut down,' he affirmed. 'Revival of industries is our vision, and we are formulating long-term policies to ensure sustainable growth.'
He concluded by assuring full government support to the tile manufacturing sector and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the broader development of the local industrial base.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow decisive action against Indian-sponsored proxies in Balochistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday jointly addressed a Grand Jirga of tribal elders in Quetta, reaffirming the state's unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism and counter foreign-sponsored subversion, particularly in Balochistan. Speaking at the Zehri Auditorium, the premier condemned the intensified activities of Indian-backed proxies aimed at destabilising Balochistan, and warned that such hostile attempts would be met with decisive state action. 'Our message to the enemies of peace is clear: the government, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and administrative apparatus, with full support of the Pakistani nation, will defeat terrorism in all its forms,' the Prime Minister stated. P The premier lauded the historical role of Balochistan's tribal elders in preserving national unity and called for continued grassroots engagement to deny space to terror outfits such as the so-called 'Fitna Al-Hindustan'. He also underscored the importance of ensuring that government-led development initiatives yield tangible benefits for the local population. Addressing the gathering, Field Marshal Munir described the ongoing violence in Balochistan as part of a 'blatant Indian-sponsored proxy war' and vowed to crush every element threatening Pakistan's sovereignty. 'We have concrete proof of India's hand in supporting terrorist networks in Balochistan. These nefarious efforts will be defeated by the Pakistan Army with the full support of the nation and the brave people of Balochistan,' he said. The COAS reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and directly linked to Pakistan's long-term stability. Both the prime minister and the COAS praised the bravery and sacrifices of the security forces and law enforcement agencies operating in the province. The prime minister assured continued state support to the families of martyrs and pledged zero tolerance for terror facilitators and abettors. The Jirga concluded with tribal elders pledging their full support to the state's security and development efforts. Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz also visited the Command and Staff College Quetta, where he addressed student officers and faculty. Stressing the need for operational readiness and strategic foresight, the PM emphasized the significance of professional military education in countering evolving hybrid threats, particularly in sensitive regions like Balochistan.
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan Express derails near Mubarakpur
Listen to article Two bogies of the Karachi-to-Rawalpindi-bound 45-Up Pakistan Express derailed in Bahwalpur district of Punjab early Saturday morning, resulting in the temporary closure of both up and down railway tracks, railway sources confirmed, Express News reported. The derailment occurred at 6:05 AM when the AC Standard bogie — the fourth from the rear — came off the track entirely near Mubarakpur Station. The attached dining car was also affected in the incident. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. A relief train was promptly dispatched from Sama Satta, and rescue efforts are in full swing to clear the track and resume services. Railway officials and emergency teams are on-site, with authorities prioritising passenger safety and the swift restoration of operations. Furthermore, the CEO of Pakistan Railways has sought comprehensive details of railway bridges across the country following the recent collapse of the Khanewal Railway Station bridge. In a communiqué dispatched to all divisional superintendents, the Pakistan Railways administration directed them to provide complete information about the bridges within their respective divisions. The data will be used to initiate a countrywide bridge upgradation programme. Special Eid trains to ease holiday rush On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Railways has decided to run five special trains on the occasion of Eidul Azha. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has approved the schedule for these special trains, which will run across major cities. According to a PR spokesperson, the first Eid special train will depart from Karachi for Lahore on June 2 at 1:00 pm. The second train will operate from Quetta to Peshawar on June 3 at 10:00 am. On the same day, a third special train will depart from Lahore for Karachi at 5:00 pm. Later that evening, a fourth train will set off from Karachi for Rawalpindi at 8:00 pm, while the fifth and final Eid special train will depart from Karachi Cantt on June 4 at 5:30 pm.
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Kashmir dispute must be settled for lasting regional stability: CJCSC
Listen to article General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) has called for the urgent resolution of the Kashmir dispute, warning that continued tensions with India threaten regional peace and security. General Mirza, made the remarks while representing Pakistan at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 in Singapore, a key Asian security summit. 'The resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions is essential for lasting peace in South Asia,' Gen. Mirza said, describing the conflict as the 'root cause' of enduring hostility between Islamabad and New Delhi. READ MORE: Pakistan's victory inspires unity among Kashmiris He stressed the need for active and effective dialogue frameworks—bilateral, regional, and global—to prevent conflicts rather than respond to them after escalation. Mirza also criticised India's recent actions regarding water flow management, accusing New Delhi of attempting to weaponise shared water resources. 'India's use of water as a weapon of war is a clear violation of international law,' he said. 'Any attempt to block or divert Pakistan's waters will be considered an act of war, in accordance with the Pakistan National Security Committee's policy.' General Mirza reaffirmed that Pakistan is open to durable peace with India, but such a peace must be based on dignity, equality, and mutual respect. He also expressed concern over the absence of reliable crisis management structures, noting that the failure to act early often prevents the international community from intervening before tensions spiral. READ MORE: Modi trying to turn Kashmir into Gaza: Irfan Siddiqui 'The situation since the Pahalgam incident is endangering regional development. We need mutual restraint, recognition of red lines, and equilibrium to ensure durable peace,' he said. Tensions between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India reached a boiling boint in the aftermath of the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India blamed Pakistan-linked elements without offering any evidence while Islamabad rejected New Delhi's claims and called for an independent probe. India subseuqnetly undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Pakistan strongly rejected the accusation, calling it unsubstantiated, but took reciprocal measures through its National Security Committee (NSC). These included halting trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft, and other countersteps. India's later use of force was met with a calibrated military response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which targeted Indian air assets, ammunition depots, and missile bases along the Line of Control and beyond. The operation formed part of a broader campaign, Marka-e-Haq, which ran from May 7 to May 10. Last month, following four days of intense clashes between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump took to social media to announce that both countries had agreed to a 'full and immediate ceasefire,' brokered by the United States. He had also offered to mediate a solution to the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Mirza called on world powers to help restore a formal dialogue mechanism between Pakistan and India, warning that the current vacuum increases the risk of miscalculation and escalation. Pakistan's participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue comes at a time of heightened friction with India and growing concern over resource and territorial disputes across South Asia. The country used the platform to reiterate its long-standing stance on Kashmir and to advocate for stronger diplomatic channels to address unresolved conflicts. READ MORE: Trump to work with Pakistan, India to resolve Kashmir dispute Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan would never accept Indian hegemony in South Asia, expressing firm opposition to New Delhi's regional posture and ongoing disputes. In remarks shared by the military's media wing, ISPR, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed a strong sense of resolve over what he described as India's attempts to assert dominance. He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and raised concerns about India's approach to transboundary water sharing.
