Business leaders seek consultation and sustainable solutions to protect industries and employment in Lahore.
A delegation of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), headed by President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, met Lahore Deputy Commissioner Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Ali Ijaz to discuss concerns affecting the business community.
The meeting focused on recent enforcement actions, relocation notices issued to industrial units and the sealing of bus body manufacturing workshops.
The delegation included Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, former LCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar, Executive Committee Member Shouban Akhtar and representatives of the Bus Body Makers Association.
Discussions mainly revolved around the challenges being faced by industries, especially bus body manufacturers operating on Bund Road.
Concerns Over Relocation Notices
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol voiced concerns over notices issued by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
He said these directives, along with the sealing of workshops by the Transport Department, have created uncertainty among industrialists and investors.
Saigol emphasized that the bus body manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the economy by generating employment opportunities for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers.
He warned that abrupt closures and relocation measures without proper consultation could disrupt business operations, impact livelihoods and discourage future investment.
Call for Balanced Policies
The LCCI president stressed that industrial development, environmental protection and urban planning should move forward together.
He urged authorities to adopt a balanced approach and involve stakeholders in developing practical solutions that safeguard industries, jobs and investment.
Former LCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar and Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh also highlighted the concerns of affected entrepreneurs and called for meaningful engagement before implementing strict measures.
DC Assures Support
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Ali Ijaz appreciated the constructive role of the LCCI and assured the delegation that the concerns of the business community would receive due consideration.
He said the district administration would coordinate with relevant departments and pursue solutions through consultation and mutual understanding.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating economic activity and expressed confidence that sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions would be worked out for industrial units and bus body manufacturers.
