By Farooq Awan

Cement dispatches in Pakistan increased by 10.9 percent to 34.8 million tonnes during July–February FY2025-26, reflecting growing momentum in construction-related industries, according to the Monthly Development Update released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report notes that the increase in cement dispatches indicates strengthening domestic demand linked with construction activity during the current fiscal year.

According to the update, the improvement in construction-related industries followed the recovery observed in Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector during the fiscal year. Industrial activity strengthened as multiple manufacturing sectors recorded positive growth during the review period.

The construction sector’s momentum was observed alongside growth in several manufacturing industries included in the LSM index. Industrial activity strengthened as multiple sectors recorded positive growth during the period under review.

The Planning Ministry’s report indicates that the improvement in construction-related industries has been reflected in increased demand for building materials, including cement. The rise in dispatches to 34.8 million tonnes during July–February FY2025-26 represents a 10.9 percent increase compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year.

The report notes that construction-related activities play an important role in industrial growth as they stimulate demand for a wide range of materials and manufacturing inputs. The growth in cement dispatches during the period indicates increased activity within the construction sector.

The construction sector’s improvement was observed in the context of broader industrial recovery during the fiscal year. According to the report, large-scale manufacturing recorded cumulative growth during the first half of FY2025-26 compared with a contraction during the same period last year.

The Planning Ministry’s update states that improvements in industrial output and construction-related industries have been part of the broader macroeconomic developments observed during the fiscal year.

The report presents developments in cement dispatches and other construction-linked indicators as part of its assessment of Pakistan’s macroeconomic landscape, which also includes inflation trends, industrial output, trade performance and remittance inflows during FY2025-26.

According to the Monthly Development Update, the increase in cement dispatches during the first eight months of the fiscal year reflects strengthening domestic demand and improved industrial momentum in construction-related sectors.

Credit: INP-WealthPk