PESHAWAR –Â Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen the closure of 795 industrial units over the past six years, leaving more than 5,300 people out of work, according to documents presented to the provincial assembly.
The figures point to a sharp decline in the province’s industrial base, with rising energy costs, financial crises and deteriorating security cited as the main drivers. The documents show that of the total closures, 482 were large-scale units while 313 were smaller industries. The highest concentration was recorded in Peshawar, where 162 units shut their doors between 2018 and 2024.
Other districts have also been hit hard: Nowshera reported 30 closures, Mardan 39, Swabi 57 and Charsadda 12. In the merged tribal districts, Khyber accounted for 48 shutdowns, Mohmand 10, Malakand six, Swat 78, Buner 30, Chitral six and both Upper and Lower Dir 12 in total.
The Hazara division recorded widespread closures as well, with 64 units shutting in Abbottabad, 16 in Battagram, two in Torghar and 14 combined in Lower and Upper Kohistan.
In the southern divisions, the industrial decline was equally pronounced. Bannu reported five closures, Dera Ismail Khan two and North Waziristan three. In Kohat division, 13 units were closed in Hangu, 32 in Kohat and as many as 114 in Karak – the second highest after Peshawar.
Overall, the shutdown of these units between 2018 and 2024 resulted in 5,346 people losing their jobs, compounding the province’s economic challenges. Officials acknowledged that most industries were forced to shut down because of a mix of financial pressures, escalating energy prices and worsening law and order, making it impossible for many businesses to continue operations.
