Bestway Cement to Invest Rs10bn in Pakistan’s Auto Sector

The company intends to invest equity of up to Rs4 billion in the new subsidiary and provide a shareholder loan of up to Rs6 billion, subject to shareholder approval under Section 199 of the Companies Act, 2017

KARACHI:

Bestway Cement Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest cement manufacturers, plans to invest Rs10 billion to enter the automobile sector.

In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, the company revealed that its Board of Directors approved the formation of a subsidiary for the automotive business. This decision came during a meeting on September 19, 2025.

The company will invest Rs4 billion in equity for the new subsidiary. It will also offer a shareholder loan of up to Rs6 billion. Shareholder approval is required under Section 199 of the Companies Act, 2017, and relevant regulations.

Founded in 1993, Bestway Cement produces and sells cement. It is a subsidiary of Bestway International Holdings Limited (BIHL), which owns 56.43% of its shares. BIHL is a subsidiary of Bestway Group Limited (BGL), the parent company.

Bestway’s expansion into the auto sector comes at a time when Pakistan’s car sales are booming. The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) reported a 62% year-on-year (YoY) increase in car sales in August 2025, with 14,050 units sold compared to 8,699 units in August 2024. Sales also rose 27% month-on-month (MoM) from 11,034 units in July 2025.

Truck sales saw even stronger growth, rising 140% YoY to 596 units in August 2025, compared to 249 units the year before. This surge reflects stronger consumer confidence and greater access to bank financing.

Bestway Cement is part of the larger Bestway Group. This group also owns Bestway Wholesale (the UK’s largest independent wholesaler), a pharmacy business, United Bank Limited (the third-largest bank in Pakistan), and real estate properties in the UK. Bestway Cement is controlled by Bestway Holdings Limited, a UK-based entity. Sir Mohammed Anwar Pervez, the founder and chairman of Bestway Group, holds the majority of the shares.