Shafay, stakeholders discuss solutions to industry problems
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and a delegation led by Senior Vice President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Tanveer
Ahmed Sheikh discussed possible solutions to the problems faced by industrialists, particularly in Saggian Industrial Area.
The meeting, held at Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) House here on Friday, focused on long-standing concerns of businesses operating in the area, including the demand to grant Saggian a formal industrial status and abolish conversion fees imposed by Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA).
Representatives of the industrialist community told the minister that industries in Saggian were under increasing pressure due to these charges. They argued that the imposition of heavy conversion fees on already established industrial units was unjustified, especially when the infrastructure in the area had largely been developed by themselves.
Responding to these concerns, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain assured the delegation that all genuine issues of industrialists would be addressed on a priority basis. He emphasised that promoting industrialization and creating employment opportunities was top priority of the government’s agenda.
“I am committed to ensuring that the wheel of industry keeps moving under all circumstances,” the minister said, adding that his office remains accessible to industrialists at all times. He further noted that applying commercialisation or conversion charges on existing industrial units in Saggian was not appropriate. The minister directed relevant authorities to work in close coordination with the LCCI to find a practical and mutually agreed solution to the issue.
“The matter of conversion fees will be resolved through consultation with stakeholders,” he said, underlining the importance of dialogue in addressing industry concerns. The minister also acknowledged the economic significance of the Saggian Industrial Area, noting that its industrial units play a key role in supporting economic activity and providing livelihoods to thousands of workers.
Earlier, Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh highlighted that around 1,500 industrial units were operating in the Saggian area, generating employment for approximately 150,000 people. He stressed that these businesses had developed much of their infrastructure independently, making the imposition of additional financial burdens particularly difficult to absorb. He urged the government to recognise the area as a formal industrial zone and provide policy support to ensure its sustainable growth.
The meeting was also attended by SAARC Chamber Vice President Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, and representatives of the Saggian Welfare Association, along with senior officials from the Industries Department. The industry stakeholders hoped that government would move quickly to translate its assurances into concrete policy decisions, particularly on the issue of conversion fees, which they argue was critical for business continuity and investment confidence. APP
