Chaudhry Shafay pledges protection of industries, orders review of RUDA charges

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said on Wednesday that RUDA and the Industries Department must come on the same page regarding the Saggian industrial area issue, adding that existing industries will not be disturbed and no coercive action will be taken against them.

He stated that if there are any environmental concerns, those will be reviewed; however, industries operating in the area for decades cannot be harassed or forcibly relocation. He further directed that new industrial setups in the area may be restricted, but the existing industrial units will remain functional.

He was talking to a delegation led by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol. The delegation included Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, former LCCI and FPCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar, former LCCI president Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Committee Member Shouban Akhtar, and representatives of the Saggian Industrial Association. Chief Executive Officer of RUDA Imran Amin Joined via Zoom while Executive Director RUDA, Brigadier (Retd) Muhammad Ossman was also present.

During the meeting, LCCI President said that around 1,500 SMEs operating in the Saggian area are providing employment to nearly 150,000 people. He informed the meeting that industrial activity in the area began decades before the formation of RUDA, and later the authority imposed charges of Rs. 80 lakh per kanal, which the industry cannot afford.

He stressed that retrospective charges cannot be imposed and demanded a viable solution that allows industries to continue operations while reducing unjustified financial pressure. He added that if relocation is necessary, alternative industrial sites must be provided.

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The minister termed the RUDA charges of Rs. 08 million per kanal as excessive and said these rates will be re-examined. He also highlighted that in the current economic situation, especially with high electricity costs, imposing such financial burden on industries is not justified.

He added that Punjab government has already established around 21 small industrial estates and development work is underway after release of funds. New initiatives are being introduced including community centres in industrial zones, while projects under FIEDMC are being expanded. He also mentioned future plans for lithium battery manufacturing and chip-related production in Pakistan.

Former LCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar stated that the industries were established through self-help efforts on privately owned land and RUDA did not develop or allocate this land. He termed the charges unjustified and demanded that the area be treated similarly to other established industrial clusters such as Mahmood Booti.

Chief Executive Officer of RUDA Imran Amin said that the Saggian area developed in an unplanned manner, which was later incorporated into the master plan. He said the revised master plan and costing will be shared with the Minister soon.

He also noted issues related to transport and electricity load due to industrial activity in the area. He assured that no action will be taken against existing industries until the next meeting and that the proposed rates will be reconsidered.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that all stakeholders will continue dialogue to protect industrial activity, resolve financial concerns, and ensure a balanced policy framework for sustainable industrial growth in Punjab.