LCCI delegation meets Secy Industries to discuss Saggian industrial area issues

A delegation led by President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheemur Rehman Saigol here Friday met Secretary Industries Umar Masood to discuss the problems faced by industries in the Saggian area

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Apr, 2026) A delegation led by President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheemur Rehman Saigol here Friday met Secretary Industries Umar Masood to discuss the problems faced by industries in the Saggian area.

The meeting focused on key issues such as heavy conversion fees, regularization in Saggian area.

Saigol thanked the Secretary Industries for his full cooperation, saying that he listened to the concerns of industrialists with sincerity and assured support for resolving them. He added that the Secretary’s positive approach and serious efforts are encouraging for the business community.

The delegation included Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Committee members Rana Nisar and Umar Sarfraz, along with representatives of the Saggian Welfare Association.

The LCCI President said that industries in Saggian existed long before the establishment of RUDA, so imposing new charges is not justified. He stressed that this ground reality must be accepted and considered in policymaking. He demanded that the area be officially declared an industrial zone to provide relief to industrialists.

He said that the conversion fee is extremely high and unaffordable for businesses. The government should reduce DC rates according to the actual value of the area and resolve the issue urgently, as around 150,000 jobs depend on these industries. He also highlighted that industrialists are regularly paying taxes and utility bills, so instead of adding more burden, they should be facilitated.

Secretary Industries Umar Masood said that this is an important public matter, but RUDA is an autonomous authority. He added that regularization is a technical matter requiring detailed consideration, and multiple institutions are involved in determining conversion charges.

He pointed out that a major issue in Lahore is that industrial and commercial rates often become the same, which increases the burden on industrialists.

He said that while the government has a relocation policy, a separate strategy is needed for already established industrial units.

Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh said that conversion fees should be set at a level that industrialists can afford; otherwise, business activities will suffer.

Mian Anjum Nisar noted that around 1,500 industrial units are operating in Saggian, contributing taxes and providing large-scale employment. He added that in projects like PEDMC, industrialists were given facilities without such heavy fees, so current rates must be reviewed.

Former LCCI president Muhammad Ali Mian presented details of conversion rates in different areas and demanded a significant reduction to provide relief.

The meeting also included a detailed discussion on the role and powers of RUDA. Participants expressed concern that RUDA’s powers have increased significantly, creating difficulties for industrialists.

Brigadier (R) Muhammad Usman, Executive Director Development & Building at RUDA, said that RUDA has already reduced conversion rates considerably and further reduction may not be possible. However, he assured that the matter will be presented before the board of Directors.

He added that the Planning & Department will be asked to review the case again and necessary changes in the master plan can also be considered.

It was agreed that further consultation with the Planning Wing will take place, and the possibility of declaring the area as an official industrial zone will be examined.

President LCCI Faheemur Rehman Saigol thanked the Secretary Industries and expressed hope that the government and relevant departments will resolve the issues of industrialists on a priority basis to ensure smooth business activities and economic stability.