Steps afoot to revive real estate sector, more relief in next budget: governor

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2026) Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said on Sunday that effective measures are being put in place to revive real estate sector, while more relief is expected to be given in the upcoming budget

He was of the view that sustainable industrial growth is only possible when all stakeholders are taken aboard while formulating policies, citing that decisions made without understanding ground realities fail to deliver long-term results. He noted that many past issues arose due to this gap, but the current government is now focusing on inclusive policymaking.

He expressed these views while speaking to a delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by its President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol here at Governor House. The delegation included Senior Vice President Tanveer Iqbal Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar and LCCI Executive Committee Members.

The Governor appreciated the business community for continuing investments despite economic challenges, calling it a clear sign of patriotism. He assured, the government is committed to resolving industrialists’ issues and would ensure their concerns are conveyed to relevant authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol thanked the Governor and said that prompt response from Governor House reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing business community concerns. He highlighted that hundreds of industries located in areas such as Saggian, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, and Raiwind Road are currently facing multiple challenges.

He said that over 1,400 industries are operating in these areas, providing employment to hundreds of thousands of people, but their survival is at risk due to high commercialization fees and administrative hurdles. He urged the government to immediately declare these as formal industrial zones and significantly reduce fees to sustain business activities.

LCCI President also spoke about the industrial relocation plan, stressing that private sector must be fully involved in the process.

He stated that no policy can succeed without the confidence and input of industrialists, and decisions should be made through mutual consultation while considering practical challenges.

Highlighting the importance of the real estate sector, he said, it is not just one industry but is linked with more than 40 other sectors. He called for special incentives to revive investment and accelerate economic activity.

He further emphasized the importance of human resource development, noting that 60 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of youth. He said that by equipping them with modern skills, they can be transformed into a major economic force. He added that LCCI is launching various training programmes, including language courses such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and German, to prepare youth for global markets.

He also highlighted the significance of remittances, stating that they have now surpassed exports, making it essential to develop skilled manpower and benefit from overseas employment opportunities.

Saigol appreciated recent diplomatic efforts by the national leadership, saying these have improved Pakistan’s global image and are expected to yield positive economic results, particularly in investment and trade.

The Governor, while discussing the relocation of industries from within the city, said that although it is a difficult but necessary step, it should be implemented gradually and through consultation rather than force. He suggested that the government should provide alternative land, infrastructure, and financial incentives to facilitate a smooth transition and avoid economic or social disruption.

He reiterated the importance of the real estate sector, stating that it supports dozens of industries and its revival positively impacts the broader economy. He concluded that positive developments have already begun in this sector, and more supportive measures are expected in the upcoming budget.