ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other government agencies for taking action against an allegedly illegal cement manufacturing unit operating under the name Red Bull Cement on the Sargodha–Faisalabad Road.
According to a statement issued by APCMA, the facility, reportedly associated with Rohri Cement, was sealed and its operations suspended following a joint inspection conducted by the FBR, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department.
The association stated that the inspection revealed multiple violations, including the absence of mandatory approvals, tax registrations, environmental clearances, and other legal permissions required to operate a cement manufacturing facility in Pakistan.
APCMA commended the authorities for their swift and decisive action, emphasizing that illegal cement production not only causes significant tax revenue losses to the national exchequer but also undermines fair competition within the industry.
The association noted that licensed cement manufacturers invest heavily in compliance with environmental, safety, quality, and taxation regulations imposed by the FBR, EPA, and other regulatory bodies. It warned that unauthorized units create an uneven business environment by avoiding these obligations.
Highlighting the industry’s contribution to the economy, APCMA said Pakistan’s cement sector generates billions of rupees in taxes annually and remains committed to supporting government efforts aimed at improving transparency and regulatory compliance.
The association further urged regulators to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to identify and shut down non-compliant industrial units before they cause further damage to the sector and the economy.
APCMA reaffirmed its support for initiatives designed to eliminate unlawful industrial activity and promote a sustainable, transparent, and competitive business environment for Pakistan’s cement industry.
