LAHORE: Factory owners and business representatives from Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti, Barki Road and other industrial areas held a protest demonstration and sit-in at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday against relocation of industrial units.
The participants expressed serious concerns over the alleged actions of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the district administration, and demanded an immediate halt to the relocation of industries, regularization of long-established industrial units and the provision of a safe and business-friendly environment for investors.
They also demanded accountability of the assistant commissioner Wagah over what they said ‘excessive actions’ against industrial units in the area.
Referring to the recent incident at an industrial unit in Daroghewala, they called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the matter.
Speakers at the protest said that industrialists play a vital role in the country’s economy, exports and employment generation, yet instead of being facilitated, they are facing administrative hurdles and uncertainty. They 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.
The protestors stressed that industries in Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti and surrounding areas have been contributing to Pakistan’s economy, exports, tax revenues and employment for decades. They said thousands of industrial units are operating in these areas and providing livelihoods to a large number of families, but recent actions and policies by different government departments have created uncertainty and concern within the business community.
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.
He said the SME sector provides jobs to millions of people, promotes investment, increases industrial output and contributes significantly to national development. Unfortunately, he added, instead of receiving support and facilities, SMEs are facing difficulties and obstacles from various departments.
He 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.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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