Table of Contents
Introduction
Cement is the main part of construction and selecting the right cement is a very important step in any construction project, whether you are building a residential home, commercial plaza or large scale infrastructure, high quality cement is necessary to ensure the strength, durability and long term success of your structure. We explore the top 7 best cement brands in Pakistan, outline the ranking criteria and cement buying guide.
Historical Background of Cement Industry in Pakistan
The cement industry in Pakistan has a rich history that dates back to the pre-partition era. The first cement plant was established in 1921 at Wah in Punjab, which laid the foundation for cement manufacturing in the region.
Key Milestones:
- 1947-1960s: After independence, Pakistan had only 4 cement plants with a combined capacity of 0.5 million tons per annum. The government focused on expanding the industry to meet construction demands.
- 1970s-1980s: Rapid industrialization led to the establishment of major cement companies like Maple Leaf Cement (1956) and DG Khan Cement (1978). The industry was predominantly government-controlled during this period.
- 1990s: The cement sector was privatized, leading to significant investments and modernization. Lucky Cement (1993) and Bestway Cement (1993) emerged as major players.
- 2000s-Present: Pakistan's cement industry has grown exponentially, becoming one of the largest in Asia. The country now has over 40 cement plants with a combined capacity exceeding 60 million tons per annum. Pakistani cement is exported to Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Middle East, and African countries.
Current Status: Today, Pakistan ranks among the top 15 cement-producing countries globally. The industry employs over 100,000 people directly and contributes significantly to the national economy through exports and infrastructure development.
Ranking Criteria for the Best Cement in Pakistan
Following factors were considered in ranking the top cement brands of Pakistan:
- User Reviews & Expert Recommendations
- Compressive Strength
- Setting Time & Consistency
- Clinker Quality & Composition
- Brand Reputation
- Affordability & Market Availability
- Certifications (PSQCA, ISO, ASTM)
Top 7 Best Cement Brands in Pakistan
#1. Lucky Cement Limited
Lucky Cement is one of the largest producers of cement in Pakistan and has earned a strong reputation for consistent quality, strength and durability. Lucky Cement is considered the Best Cement in Pakistan
Main Products:
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Sulphate Resistant Cement (SRC)
Certifications:
ISO 9001, PSQCA Certified
Official Website:
#2. Bestway Cement Limited
Bestway Cement is a Part of Bestway Group (UK), Bestway Cement is renowned for producing world-class cement and is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC, Low Alkali Cement
Certifications:
ISO 9001: 2015, PSQCA, British Standards (BS) Compliance
Official Website:
https://www.bestwaygroup.co.uk/
#3. DG Khan Cement Company Limited
DG Khan Cement, part of the Nishat Group, operates with some of the most modern cement plants in Pakistan. Their cement is widely used in residential and infrastructure projects.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC, Low Alkali Cement
Certifications:
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PSQCA
Official Website:
#4. Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited
Maple Leaf Cement is one of Pakistan's oldest and most reputable cement companies. Known for its strength and quality control, it remains a top choice for engineers and contractors.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC
Certifications:
PSQCA, ISO 9001
Official Website:
https://kmlg.com/mlc/company-profile/
#5. Fauji Cement Company Limited
Fauji Cement is a project of the Fauji Foundation, is famous for its consistent quality and is a popular choice in government and private projects.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC
Certifications:
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PSQCA
Official Website:
#6. Cherat Cement Company Limited
Cherat Cement, part of the Ghulam Faruque Group, has been serving Pakistan's construction industry since 1981. The company is known for its high-quality cement and modern manufacturing facilities located in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC, White Cement
Certifications:
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, PSQCA
Official Website:
#7. Pioneer Cement Limited
Pioneer Cement is part of the Pioneer Group and has established itself as a reliable cement manufacturer in Pakistan. With modern plants and quality control measures, Pioneer Cement is widely used in both residential and commercial construction projects.
Main Products:
OPC, SRC
Certifications:
ISO 9001, PSQCA Certified
Official Website:
Detailed Comparison Table of Top Cement Brands
Below is a comprehensive comparison of the top cement brands in Pakistan based on key parameters:
| Brand Name | Established | Production Capacity (Million Tons/Year) | Main Products | Certifications | Market Availability | Export Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Cement | 1993 | 10.75 | OPC, SRC | ISO 9001, PSQCA | Nationwide | Afghanistan, Iraq, South Africa |
| Bestway Cement | 1993 | 9.45 | OPC, SRC, Low Alkali | ISO 9001:2015, PSQCA, BS | Nationwide | Middle East, Africa |
| DG Khan Cement | 1978 | 9.14 | OPC, SRC, Low Alkali | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PSQCA | Nationwide | India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka |
| Maple Leaf Cement | 1956 | 4.41 | OPC, SRC | PSQCA, ISO 9001 | Nationwide | Afghanistan, Middle East |
| Fauji Cement | 1992 | 4.90 | OPC, SRC | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PSQCA | Nationwide | Afghanistan, India |
| Cherat Cement | 1981 | 3.99 | OPC, SRC, White Cement | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, PSQCA | North & Central Pakistan | Afghanistan |
| Pioneer Cement | 1998 | 3.60 | OPC, SRC | ISO 9001, PSQCA | Central & South Pakistan | Afghanistan, UAE |
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Brand Name | Compressive Strength (3 Days) MPa | Compressive Strength (28 Days) MPa | Initial Setting Time (Minutes) | Final Setting Time (Minutes) | Fineness (m²/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Cement | 23-25 | 53-55 | 90-120 | 240-300 | 320-350 |
| Bestway Cement | 24-26 | 54-56 | 85-115 | 235-295 | 330-360 |
| DG Khan Cement | 23-26 | 53-56 | 90-125 | 240-310 | 325-355 |
| Maple Leaf Cement | 22-24 | 52-54 | 95-130 | 250-320 | 310-340 |
| Fauji Cement | 22-25 | 52-55 | 90-125 | 245-310 | 315-345 |
| Cherat Cement | 22-24 | 52-54 | 95-130 | 250-315 | 310-340 |
| Pioneer Cement | 21-24 | 51-54 | 100-135 | 255-325 | 305-335 |
Key Considerations When Buying Cement
- Select the right type of cement (i.e. OPC for general work, SRC for sulfate affected areas).
- Check manufacturing date to ensure freshness.
- Verify PSQCA certification on the bag.
- Purchase from authorized dealers to avoid fake products.
- Check the dryness and consistency of the cement, it should not contain hardened or hard pieces
- Compare prices from different suppliers but prioritize quality over cost savings.
- Ensure proper storage conditions at the construction site to maintain cement quality.
- Consider the project type and environmental conditions when selecting cement grade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The cement industry in Pakistan has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from just a few plants to becoming one of the major cement producers in Asia. The seven cement brands listed here - Lucky Cement, Bestway Cement, DG Khan Cement, Maple Leaf Cement, Fauji Cement, Cherat Cement, and Pioneer Cement - represent the most trusted and widely used brands in Pakistan's construction industry.
Each brand has its unique strengths and is suitable for different types of construction projects. Whether you're building a residential home, commercial complex, or large-scale infrastructure project, selecting the right cement from these reputable brands will ensure the strength, durability, and longevity of your structure. Always verify certifications, check manufacturing dates, and purchase from authorized dealers to guarantee genuine quality products.
