Outdoor Advertising Sector Urges Lahore Authority to Halt ‘Anti-Business’ Measures

By Reporter Dr. Ansab Ali

LAHORE: Representatives of Pakistan’s outdoor advertising industry have called on the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to halt what they describe as “anti-business actions,” warning that the sector’s survival, along with thousands of livelihoods and government revenues, is at risk.

Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), President Mian Abuzar Shad, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, and former Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar were joined by industry figures including Rana Nisar Ahmed, Umar Sarfraz, Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wain, and Umar Saleem.

The speakers alleged that unilateral decisions by the LDA—without consultation with stakeholders—had plunged the industry into crisis. They said the sector represents billions of rupees in investment and sustains thousands of families, yet abrupt demolitions and policy changes have created deep uncertainty.

Criticizing the use of bulldozers on holidays to raze structures without notice, the representatives said such measures were damaging investor confidence. “You cannot build a Times Square by putting business properties at stake,” one speaker remarked.

The industry leaders urged the Punjab government to immediately review its policies, engage with stakeholders, and provide relief to safeguard both business interests and employment in the advertising sector.