By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister’s Adviser Ali Dar, PIAF Patron-in-Chief Mian Anjum Nisar and Daroghawala Industrial Owners Association (DIOA) Chairman Shaban Akhtar jointly inaugurated the 24th edition of ITIF Asia 2026 and the Made in Daroghawala Pavilion at the Lahore Expo Centre, highlighting the contribution of Pakistan’s industrial sector to economic growth, exports and employment generation.
The inauguration brought together prominent industrialists, business leaders and government representatives to showcase Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities and explore opportunities for investment, technology transfer and international business partnerships.
Shaban Akhtar, chairman of DIOA and PIBTIC, represented the Daroghawala industrial community at the event, while Mian Anjum Nisar, former president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), attended as Patron-in-Chief of PIAF. Ali Dar represented the Punjab government.
Organised by UFI member E-commerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, the three-day exhibition is being held from November 4 to 6, bringing together local and international manufacturers, industrial technology providers, investors and business leaders.
Following the inauguration, Ali Dar visited both exhibition halls and interacted with domestic and foreign exhibitors. He showed keen interest in advanced industrial technologies, machinery, alternative energy solutions and modern manufacturing systems.
Speaking to the media, Ali Dar described ITIF Asia as an important platform bringing together industrial leaders, innovators and decision-makers.
He said the quality of participation and advanced technologies showcased at the exhibition were impressive, adding that such events played a key role in strengthening Pakistan’s industrial base, promoting technology and creating opportunities for local manufacturers and exporters.
He particularly appreciated the exhibition’s focus on green energy, automation and modern manufacturing solutions, describing these areas as important for the future of Pakistan’s industrial sector.
During the visit, Shaban Akhtar and Umar Abdullah, convener of the exhibition committee, briefed the chief minister’s adviser on the contribution of Daroghawala’s industrial sector to the national economy. They highlighted its role in manufacturing, exports, import substitution, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
The Made in Daroghawala Pavilion showcased the industrial capabilities of one of Pakistan’s major manufacturing clusters, highlighting locally produced machinery, engineering goods and other industrial products.
Appreciating the contribution of Daroghawala’s industrialists, Ali Dar said the cluster played an important role in generating government revenue, earning foreign exchange and creating employment opportunities.
He assured the industrial representatives that the Punjab government would give priority to resolving the problems faced by the Daroghawala industrial sector. He also promised an early meeting with industry representatives to discuss their concerns and explore possible solutions.
Mian Anjum Nisar’s participation underscored the importance of strengthening coordination between the industrial community, business organisations and government institutions to promote local manufacturing and exports.
This year’s exhibition features a significant number of local companies alongside 23 international exhibitors from six countries. Organisers expect approximately 23,000 professional visitors, including plant managers, procurement specialists, engineers, traders, investors and government officials.
The exhibition covers a wide range of industrial products, machinery, materials and services, from raw materials to finished products. Major sectors include automotive and agricultural parts, engineering, metal fabrication, solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, fibre laser cutting, CNC machinery, industrial air compressors, pumps, hardware, tools, fire and safety equipment, electric vehicles, minerals, chemicals and coating technologies.
The event aims to facilitate business-to-business connections, encourage technology transfer, promote investment and provide opportunities for local manufacturers to establish partnerships with international companies.
Executive members of PIAF and the Daroghawala industrial community were also present at the inauguration, along with E-commerce Gateway President.
The event is supported by Rising Pakistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as strategic supporters, while the Ministry of Industries and Production is its strategic partner.
Other supporting organisations include FPCCI, Engineering Development Board (EDB), Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC), Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW).
ITIF Asia 2026 will remain open to visitors at the Lahore Expo Centre from 10am to 6pm daily until November 6.
