Punjab to ease issuance of NoC for cement plant in province

Pakistan's cement industry welcomes the provincial government of Punjab's move to ease the processes of approval in setting up a cement plant in province. According to media reports, Provincial Minister for Industries and Trade, Mian Aslam Iqbal, has said that the Punjab government has lifted the 12-year ban on the cement industry, which is expected to see an improved performance and contribition to the national economy.

A dedicated task force with key people in the ministry's industries department has been set up in the ministry to handle applications for new cement plants. During a meeting to review the investment in the cement industry, the minister regretted that to date applying for 'no objection' certificates for new industries has been taking months. The departments are expected to take full responsibility for easing the application process for investors. 

In addition, the minister emphasised that the latest technology should be used in setting up the new cement plants and highlighted the need for low water consumption by the industry.