Huge reconstruction work in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and NWFP will increase the demand for cement, steel, canvas, timber as also of qualified labour for the reconstruction projects.
This demand will be spread over next three to five years and much of it will be going to the areas of AJK and NWFP.
However, the reconstruction work will be delayed in those areas where snow falls in the higher altitude in NWFP and Azad Kashmir. The overall demand for various construction materials in AJK and NWFP will remain at optimum level for the next three to five years. Thus, the overall industrial activity, provision of various industrial products needed in the reconstruction process, including cement as a bulk item, will increase.
Economists see an overall positive impact of the demand for various materials needed in the reconstruction, including cement, steel, bricks, tarpaulins, wood, pipes and electrical and communication materials. Therefore, the demand for these items will remain high in the market and various industries engaged in production of these items would work at optimum levels as the work of reconstruction gains momentum in the quake-affected areas.