By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Shaban Akhtar, chairman of DIOA/PIBTIC, and Pakistan Industrial and Economic Association (PIAF) Chairman and former Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president Fahim-ur-Rehman Saigol jointly inaugurated the Made in Daroghawala Pavilion at the 24th International Trade and Industrial Fair (ITIF) Asia 2026 on the exhibition’s second day.
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The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the growing industrial potential of Daroghawala, an industrial hub known for manufacturing products with export potential and offering alternatives to imported goods.
Akhtar has played a central role in establishing and promoting the Made in Daroghawala Pavilion to showcase the area’s manufacturing capabilities at national and international exhibitions.
Following the inauguration, Saigol visited the pavilion, interacted with exhibitors and appreciated the quality of locally manufactured products, materials, manufacturing processes and industrial machinery.
He particularly praised the export-quality products and their potential to reduce dependence on imports. He also commended Akhtar’s consistent efforts to bring the Daroghawala Industrial Area into the national and international spotlight, saying the industrial hub had remained under-recognised despite producing internationally competitive goods.
Saigol said Daroghawala’s industrial sector played an important role in generating national revenue, promoting exports and earning valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan.
Later, Saigol and Akhtar, accompanied by Exhibition Committee Convener Umar Abdullah and other committee members, distributed shields among participating exhibitors in recognition of their contribution.
The three-day ITIF Asia 2026, organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, a full member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), was held from November 4 to 6, 2026.
A large number of local companies participated in the exhibition, alongside 23 international exhibitors from six countries. The event was expected to attract approximately 23,000 professional visitors, providing opportunities for business networking, industrial collaboration and the promotion of Pakistani products in international markets.
