By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — Hundreds of industrialists, factory owners and business representatives from Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti, Barki Road and other industrial areas held a large protest gathering and sit-in at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesady.
The participants expressed serious concerns over the actions of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the district administration, and demanded an immediate halt to the relocation of industries, regularization of long-established industrial units and the provision of a safe and business-friendly environment for investors.
They also demanded accountability of the Assistant Commissioner Wagah over excessive actions against industrial units in the area. Referring to the recent incident at Masood Tech Industries, they called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the conduct of the officials involved.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol addressed the protest. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Executive Committee Member Rana Shouban Akhtar, and a large number of office-bearers and members of industrial associations also attended the gathering. Among those present were Rameez Dewan and Masood Akhtar from Daroghawala Industrial Association; Haji Liaqat, Malik Amin, Haji Dilawar, Malik Asif and Faraz from Saggian; Naeem Shehzad from Wahga Union; along with representatives of various industrial unions and business organizations.
Speakers at the protest said that industrialists play a vital role in the country’s economy, exports and employment generation, yet instead of being facilitated, they are facing administrative hurdles and uncertainty.
They demanded the regularization of industries operating in these areas, the provision of basic infrastructure and facilities, and an end to what they described as unnecessary actions against industrial units.
The protesting industrialists emphasized that industries in Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti and surrounding areas have been contributing to Pakistan’s economy, exports, tax revenues and employment for decades.
They said thousands of industrial units are operating in these areas and providing livelihoods to a large number of families, but recent actions and policies by different government departments have created uncertainty and concern within the business community.
The participants also highlighted the incident that took place at Masood Tech Industries a day earlier, stating that it had created an atmosphere of fear among industrialists. They demanded a transparent and impartial inquiry into the matter and called for legal action if any public official is found to have exceeded his authority or acted unlawfully.
Industrialists said that instead of relocating or shutting down industries, the government should focus on facilitating them. They warned that continued pressure, uncertainty and administrative obstacles would negatively affect investment, employment, exports and the overall economy.
The protesters further demanded the immediate regularization of industries operating in Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti and other industrial areas. They also called for improved infrastructure, better roads, sewerage systems, reliable electricity supply and other essential facilities to support industrial growth.
Addressing the gathering, LCCI President Fahim ur Rehman Saigol expressed full solidarity with the industrial community. He said that when the current LCCI leadership took office, it pledged to work for the protection, growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
He said the SME sector provides jobs to millions of people, promotes investment, increases industrial output and contributes significantly to national development. Unfortunately, he added, instead of receiving support and facilities, SMEs are facing difficulties and obstacles from various departments.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol stated that governments around the world focus on facilitating investors, encouraging industries and creating ease of doing business. However, in Pakistan, industrialists often face issues that undermine investor confidence.
He stressed that if the government truly wants economic growth, industrial expansion and higher exports, it must address the concerns of the business community and adopt business-friendly policies.
He further said that Pakistan has a rapidly growing population and every year the country adds a population comparable to that of a European nation. In such circumstances, creating employment opportunities is one of the country’s biggest challenges. He questioned how jobs could be created for the growing population if industries continue to face difficulties and investors feel insecure.
The LCCI President said that the industrial sector provides employment, skills and economic opportunities to the country’s youth. Any slowdown in industrial growth would have serious consequences for the national economy. He emphasized that government institutions are created to facilitate citizens and businesses, not to create unnecessary hurdles.
He said industrialists respect the law and are willing to comply with all legitimate legal requirements. However, any action against businesses must be carried out transparently and in accordance with legal procedures and mutual respect. He stressed that trust between government institutions and the business community is essential for investment, industrial growth and economic stability.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol urged the Punjab Government and relevant authorities to take the concerns of industrialists seriously, review plans related to the relocation of industries, prioritize the regularization of industrial areas and establish an effective mechanism to resolve the issues faced by the business community.
Other industrial leaders who addressed the gathering also stated that industries in areas such as Daroghawala, Saggian and Mahmood Booti have been serving the economy for decades and should be provided with facilities similar to those available in modern industrial zones rather than being relocated or shut down.
They called on the authorities to consult all stakeholders before taking any action and to avoid decisions that could create uncertainty among investors.
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