Illegal cement unit: APCMA welcomes enforcement action

LAHORE: All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has welcomed a multi-agency crackdown against an illegal cement manufacturing unit operating under the name M/s Red Bull Cement on Sargodha Faisalabad Road, associated with Rohri Cement.

APCMA appreciated the efforts of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department for taking timely and decisive action against the unauthorized unit through written orders communicated to M/s Red Bull.

As reported, the relevant authorities on detailed inspection found the unit to be operating without mandatory approvals, registrations, environmental clearances, and other statutory permissions required under law, and accordingly sealed the premises and suspended operations.

The association in a statement here Tuesday commended the commitment shown by the government departments concerned in upholding the rule of law and protecting legitimate businesses. Illegal cement manufacturing not only causes substantial losses to the national exchequer through tax evasion but also undermines fair competition by bypassing the environmental, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements that compliant manufacturers are obligated to meet.

Pakistan’s cement industry contributes billions of rupees in taxes to the national exchequer and strictly adheres to regulations issued by FBR, EPA, and other relevant departments. APCMA urged authorities to strengthen oversight mechanisms to proactively identify and act against non-compliant units before such units can cause further damage to the sector.

The association remains committed to supporting all regulatory authorities in their efforts to eliminate unlawful industrial activity and ensure a transparent, competitive, and sustainable business environment for Pakistan’s cement sector, the statement concluded.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026