LCCI and RUDA to Form Joint Committee to Resolve Industrial Issues in Saggian AreaNo industry to be sealed until committee recommendations finalized

By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) have agreed to establish a joint committee to address longstanding industrial concerns in the Saggian and RUDA-designated areas. The decision was announced by Brigadier (retd) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, Chief Operating Officer of RUDA, during a meeting at the LCCI.

Brig (retd) Janjua assured the business community that no industrial unit will be sealed until the committee submits its recommendations and a mutually agreed-upon roadmap is finalized. He said the committee will prepare a comprehensive report outlining challenges faced by industries, which will form the basis for future planning and policy adjustments.

The meeting was attended by LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President SAARC Chamber Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, and Executive Committee members Omar Sarfaraz, Irfan Qureshi, and Syed Hasan Raza.

Brig (retd) Janjua briefed participants on RUDA’s broader vision, highlighting ongoing work including the restoration of the Ravi River, construction of a 46-km river bund, 377 km of roads, 87 km Metrobus routes, wastewater treatment plants, bridges, and blue infrastructure development. He assured full cooperation with LCCI to resolve issues affecting industries in Saggian.

LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol raised concerns over the uncertainty faced by industries due to notices issued by RUDA demanding 20% RDA charges based on current DC rates for commercialization. He said the area was originally developed under a self-help model, with low-cost land purchases, and remains underdeveloped — questioning the basis for commercializing 20–30-foot pathways under current regulations.

He added that properties initially purchased for Rs 1.2–1.5 million per kanal were now being asked to pay Rs 7.5–8.5 million per kanal, which he termed an unrealistic burden on cottage industries and small factories that support millions of families.

Saigol further noted that RUDA’s plan to acquire riverbank lands has created uncertainty for property owners who invested their life savings in the area, especially as market values surged over the past two years.

SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar stressed that RUDA was formed only a few years ago, whereas industries in the Saggian area have been functioning for decades. He said new laws should safeguard the rights of existing industries, while applying fresh regulations only to new entrants.

Former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian added that discrepancies between DC rates and actual market values had caused confusion and concern among the business community. He said LCCI is actively mediating among stakeholders to develop a practical and mutually acceptable solution.

The formation of the joint committee is seen as a significant step toward easing tensions and ensuring that industrial activities continue without disruption.