Saggian Industrial Area: Punjab minister vows to resolve issues facing industrialists

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that the issues faced by industries in the Saggian Industrial Area will be resolved through immediate and long-term solutions. He assured that the government will not allow any policy that harms industrial activity or threatens employment on a large scale.

He stated that putting unnecessary pressure on already established industries is not appropriate. The government will review the matter and take an industry-friendly decision.

The minister added that the Punjab government considers industrial growth, protection of investment, and continuity of employment as top priorities. He said disputes between RUDA and industrialists will be resolved through consultation and dialogue.

He directed relevant authorities to work closely with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to develop practical solutions so that industrial units can continue operations without disruption.

He was speaking during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation included LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Committee Members Umar Sarfraz and Shaban Akhtar, along with representatives of the Saggian Welfare Association including Hafiz Tanveer Ahmad, Shafeeq-uz-Zaman, Malik Ameen, Muhammad Kamran, and other industrialists. Secretary Industries Omar Masood also attended the meeting.

LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh informed that around 1,400 to 1,500 industrial units have been operating in the Saggian area for decades, most of them established long before the creation of RUDA. He said these industries developed infrastructure through self-help, but are now being subjected to heavy conversion charges and commercialization fees, which are unbearable for industrialists.

He added that actions such as sealing factories and registering FIRs are negatively affecting the business environment and creating uncertainty among industrialists. He demanded that the Saggian area be officially declared an industrial zone and that conversion charges be immediately suspended.

SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar described the issue as one related to continuity of industrial policy. He said past governments had encouraged industries to move outside city limits, and imposing additional financial burdens later through new authorities is unfair to investors who followed government policy.

Former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian suggested that declaring Saggian as a formal industrial area would largely resolve disputes related to commercialization and conversion fees. He warned that financial pressure without policy clarity would increase production costs and affect employment.

Secretary Industries Omar Masood stated that if industries were legally established before the creation of RUDA, the application of conversion charges requires legal review. He assured that the Industries Department will thoroughly examine the matter to reach a balanced solution between industrial development and regulatory requirements.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026