Key Takeaways
- Factory owners and business representatives protested against the relocation of industrial units.
- They demanded an end to administrative hurdles and a transparent inquiry into recent incidents.
- LCCI President Fahim ur Rehman Saigol expressed solidarity with the industrial community.
Industrialists from Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti, Barki Road and other areas held a protest demonstration at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday. The participants were concerned about the alleged actions of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the district administration.
They demanded an immediate halt to the relocation of industries, regularization of long-established units, and a safe business environment for investors. The protestors also called for accountability from the assistant commissioner Wagah over what they termed ‘excessive actions’ against industrial units in the area.
The participants highlighted that industrialists play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing to exports and employment generation. They stressed that industries in these areas have been operating for decades, providing livelihoods to thousands of families. However, recent policies by different government departments have created uncertainty among business owners.
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.
Saigol added that SMEs provide jobs to millions of people, promote investment, increase industrial output and contribute significantly to national development. Unfortunately, he said, instead of receiving support and facilities, SMEs are facing difficulties and obstacles from various departments.
The protestors also 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. They called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the recent incident at an industrial unit in Daroghawala.
LCCI President Saigol urged the Punjab government 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.
