LCCI welcomes private sector's inclusion in industrial zoning process

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said on Monday that Punjab government's decision to include the private sector in the industrial zoning process is a welcome step

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2026) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said on Monday that Punjab government's decision to include the private sector in the industrial zoning process is a welcome step.

He said that industrialists in Lahore are currently facing major issues including a shortage of land, actions by various departments and relocation of industries.

Saigol said that the promotion of industries is essential for creating employment opportunities and strengthening the economy. However, under the current circumstances, it has become very difficult to establish a new industry or operate an existing one. He urged the government to resolve the problems of industrialists on a priority basis so that investment and industrial growth are not affected.

He was addressing a meeting on the identification of suitable land for the establishment of a Small Industrial Estate in Lahore. The meeting was attended by LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, Punjab Small Industries Corporation Regional Director Muzammil Hassan Chaudhry, Director Sabih Zaka, Assistant Director Legal Amjad Abbas Shah, Executive Committee members Ahad Amin Malik, Rana Nisar, Mohsin Bashir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Rana Shaban Akhtar, Syed Hassan Raza, and other representatives.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that the business community has faced several challenges during the past year, but industrial zoning and the relocation of industries have become the most important issues. He said that existing industrialists serve as an example for new investors, but when industrialists face problems on a daily basis, it discourages new investment.

He said Pakistan is rich in natural resources and countless employment opportunities can be created through industrial development. Referring to difficulties faced by industrialists from different government departments, he said that industrialists are often subjected to unnecessary problems.

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Referring to the proposed industrial zone near Pindi Das, he said that around 300 industrial units could be established there. He suggested that at least 50 percent of the capacity should be reserved for industries that need to be relocated from their current locations.

The LCCI President said that although the relocation of industries from residential areas is necessary, the process should be carried out in consultation with industrialists and with due consideration for their convenience so that business activities are not affected.

On the occasion, Punjab Small Industries Corporation Regional Director Lahore, Muzammil Hassan Chaudhry, said that industrial zoning has become a necessity due to Lahore's rapidly growing population and urban expansion. He said that when many industries were established, there were no nearby residential areas, but over time housing developments expanded around them, creating the need for modern industrial zones.

He said that industries should be shifted to suitable locations to ensure environmental protection, safety standards, and better facilities for citizens. He added that the objective of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation is to facilitate industrialists, create employment opportunities, and promote economic growth.

Muzammil Hassan Chaudhry said that the purpose of the meeting was to identify locations for new industrial zones through consultation with industrialists and to ensure the smooth relocation of industries. He assured participants that the suggestions of the business community would be taken into consideration while moving the project forward.

He further said that preliminary work on the proposed project near Pindi Das has already begun and various aspects are being reviewed. He expressed hope that industrialists would cooperate with the government in establishing new industrial zones, promoting investment, and creating new employment opportunities.