Lahore: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Punjab government to take notice of the rising concerns among industrialists operating in Saggian and surrounding areas under the jurisdiction of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA).
During an emergency meeting at the LCCI, business owners and industrialists highlighted the challenges posed by significantly higher District Collector (DC) land rates in RUDA-administered zones. According to LCCI Acting President Engineer Khalid Usman, the DC rates in these areas are reportedly up to 10 times higher than those in comparable industrial localities, placing a substantial financial strain on the operations of existing units.
Usman stated that more than 1,000 industrial units — ranging from small workshops to large-scale manufacturing facilities — operate in this zone, employing over 10,000 workers directly and supporting many more indirectly through supply chains and allied services.
“The sharp increase in land rates has created uncertainty among industrialists,” said Usman. “There is concern that if these rates remain unchanged, the affected units may face operational challenges that could impact employment and production.”
He also called for halting any action that might lead to the sealing or eviction of businesses until all stakeholders are consulted. “Consultation with the business community is essential before finalising such critical decisions,” he added.
The LCCI representatives appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review the land valuation in RUDA areas and initiate dialogue with the concerned stakeholders to find a workable solution.
Participants in the meeting stressed the importance of maintaining a stable and predictable business environment, especially in long-established industrial zones like Saggian. They noted that these zones are integral to Punjab’s wider industrial and economic ecosystem.
The LCCI also expressed optimism that the provincial leadership would consider their concerns to ensure continued industrial growth and job stability in the region.
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