Industry Welcomes LDA Decision to De-seal Factories, Suspend Sealing Operations

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has agreed to de-seal factories affected during its recent enforcement campaign and assured industrialists that no future sealing operations will be carried out without following due legal process, a move widely welcomed by the business community.

The assurance was given by LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad during a meeting with a joint delegation of the Ferozepur Road Industrial Association (FRIA) and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA).

The delegation was led by FRIA Acting Chairman Shafiq Ahmed Butt and included PHMA Chairman Abdul Hameed. The meeting was also attended by the LDA’s Chief Town Planner, Director Town Planning, and representatives of the industrial associations.

During the meeting, industrialists strongly objected to factories being sealed without prior notice, stating that in several cases notices were issued only after the factories had already been sealed, causing disruption to production, exports, and business operations. They warned that such actions created uncertainty for investors and undermined the confidence of exporters already facing difficult economic conditions.

The Director Town Planning acknowledged the concerns, apologized for the sealing of factories without prior notice, and requested factory owners who had received notices to submit written replies so their cases could be reviewed on merit.

Addressing the delegation, LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad assured participants that the sealed factories would be de-sealed and that the authority would not conduct similar operations in the future without adopting proper legal procedures. He emphasized that the LDA had no intention of harassing industrial units and advised factory owners to continue their operations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Speaking after the meeting, FRIA Acting Chairman Shafiq Ahmed Butt welcomed the outcome and appreciated the LDA’s constructive approach. However, he cautioned that sealing operational factories without providing alternative industrial zones would negatively affect industrial growth, exports, investment, and employment.

PHMA Chairman Abdul Hameed also welcomed the assurances, saying the decision would help restore confidence among exporters and manufacturers. He noted that Pakistan’s textile and hosiery industries were already under pressure from rising production costs, high energy prices, and intense international competition.

“Industrial units should be facilitated rather than penalized. Stable policies and a business-friendly environment are essential to sustain exports, attract investment, and protect employment,” he said.

The industry representatives expressed hope that the commitments made during the meeting would be implemented in both letter and spirit, paving the way for stronger cooperation between the LDA and the industrial sector.

Other members of the delegation included Dr. Saleh Mehmood, Mubashir Naseer Butt, Naseer Ahmad Butt, Abdul Jabbar, Adnan, Sohail Amir, and Asif Ikram.