KP govt approves construction of nine additional industrial zones

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Friday approved the establishment of three new small industrial zones in Abbottabad, two each in Peshawar, Bannu and Mansehra districts of the province. 

The decision was taken in a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Small Industries Development Board (SIDB) chaired by Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Industries Abdul Karim Khan, who is also the chairman of the board.

The meeting also decided to expand the already existing industrial zones in Abbottabad and Dargai. The Small Industrial Estate Peshawar has been in operation for more than 45 years with more than 400 factories. 

The meeting was informed that the management of Peshawar SIDB has initiated practical steps for the establishment of small industrial estates in Zangli on Kohat Road, some 14 kilometres from the existing industrial zone. These estates will cover an area of 1,200 kanals. 

Officials said that efforts were being made to set up various factories at the industrial zone and give plots directly to the industrialists, without involvement of a third party.