Leather industry seeks slaughter houses, Kasur plant revival

LAHORE – Pakistan's leather industry is grappling with a shortage of raw materials, prompting industry representatives to call upon the Punjab government to establish structured slaughterhouses and reignite the wastewater treatment plant in Kasur. This matter was deliberated during a gathering between Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, and a delegation from the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), headed by its Chairman, Malik Muhammad Azam.

PTA Chairman Malik Muhammad Azam informed the minister that the scarcity of raw materials posed a significant challenge to the leather industry. He proposed the establishment of well-organized slaughterhouses as a potential solution. The delegation also sought the government's assistance in making the Kasur wastewater treatment plant operational.

Chaudhry Shafay, in his address, emphasized that the leather industry was among the country's major industrial sectors, holding substantial potential to boost exports. He promised that the industry's challenges would be addressed with priority. He stressed the shared responsibility of maintaining a pollution-free environment for future generations and urged the industry to strictly adhere to environmental protection standards, including the installation of wastewater treatment plants.

The minister also highlighted the government's financial assistance available to businesses, mentioning that interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million were being offered under the second phase of the Chief Minister’s Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme. Additionally, the Industries, Commerce and Investment Department had initiated a major programme to promote exports and foster industrial growth, offering loans of up to Rs500 million on favorable terms. Under this programme, businesses could secure interest-free loans amounting to Rs100 million.

Chaudhry Shafay proposed that the leather industry could form an agreement with the Skills Development Department to address its manpower needs. Speaking at the event, Malik Muhammad Azam disclosed that the Pakistan Tanners Association planned to set up business centers in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to enhance trade relations and explore new business opportunities. The delegation comprised Chaudhry Tahir, Muhammad Aslam, Rana Adnan, and other officials.

Other officials present included the Director of Punjab Small Industries Corporation, Sabih Zaka, and other relevant authorities.