PESHAWAR: Printers and publishers have called for the establishment of a paper mill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to reduce dependence on other provinces, lower production costs, and ensure continuous supply.
The printers and publishers also sought release of refund payment of sales tax in light of court verdicts and greater provincial autonomy in policy-making, procurement and decision making under the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
They expressed these proposals and demands during a dinner hosted by the Businessman Forum in their honour at the Chamber House.
The meeting was chaired by the SCCI President, Junaid Altaf.
Besides, senior office-bearers of the chamber, a large number of printers and publishers were present on the occasion.
The printers and publishers raised serious concerns over unannounced electricity loadshedding, tripping and fluctuation, and demanded the immediate provision and up-gradation of electricity infrastructure, including installation of dedicated power transformers for printing industries.
They stated the Jhangineighborhood being the central hub of printing and publishing business, which should be registered with SMEDA as an official SME zone to facilitate industrial growth and government support.
They stressed proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of printing presses, publishing houses and their workforce.
The printers and publishers demanded special tax concession and relaxation on paper imported or supplied from Punjab and Karachi to reduce costs for KP.
Besides, they also sought awarding of government tender on priority basis to KP-based printers and publishers.
Earlier, the printers and publishers reposed their full trust on the leadership of the Businessman Forum, and they announced full support to the forum in the upcoming Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Election.
President of the SCCI, Junaid Altaf, in his remarks on the occasion stated the printing industry had a vital role in economic development and generating employment so that the government should resolve their issues on priority basis.
The SCCI chief said that more than 3,300 printing presses, operating across KP, provided employment to nearly 40,000 workers and called for recognition of their contribution and formalization of the policies.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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