LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Export-led growth is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable economic development, and such progress can only be achieved by providing industrialists with a truly conducive business environment, according to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ali Hussam Asghar. Addressing a delegation of industrialists from Ferozepur Road on 13 October 2026, the LCCI President underscored that export-led growth is the cornerstone of national prosperity.

Key Points

• LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar identified export-led growth as vital for Pakistan’s long-term economic stability.
• An ad-hoc committee led by Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh will address industrial concerns on Ferozepur Road.
• The Chamber established a Complaint Cell linked to the Prime Minister’s dashboard for resolving business grievances.
• Industrialists called for reforms regarding WASA and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) billing and FIR procedures.
• The LCCI proposed interest-free loans to help small industries transition to environmentally friendly technologies.

Addressing Industrial Concerns on Ferozepur Road

LCCI Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani, Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, and delegation leader Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh also addressed the meeting. The LCCI President announced that the Chamber would engage with relevant government departments to resolve issues faced by industrialists on Ferozepur Road, focusing on removing unnecessary administrative hurdles. An ad-hoc committee, chaired by Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh, has been formed to pursue the resolution of these industrial concerns on a priority basis.

Government Collaboration and Digital Facilitation

President Asghar highlighted that the LCCI has established a dedicated Complaint Cell to ensure the prompt resolution of members’ grievances. This cell has been integrated with the Prime Minister’s dashboard concerning economic ministries to enhance the referral process for business complaints. Furthermore, the LCCI is lobbying the Punjab government to create a centralized application that would allow investors to apply for new factory setups and obtain various industrial licenses through a streamlined, digital process.

Regulatory Reforms and Infrastructure Needs

Sardar Usman Ghani emphasized that achieving economic development targets requires building the confidence of traders through consistent consultation. During the discussion, participants raised significant concerns regarding damaged roads, poor sanitation, and drainage issues on Ferozepur Road. Regarding legal disputes, the LCCI President argued that while the business community is not opposed to regulation, current practices such as filing First Information Reports (FIRs) for rectifiable violations damage the business climate. He advocated for the use of fines and corrective measures instead of criminal proceedings. Delegation leader Adeeb Iqbal Sheikh noted that while industrialists are willing to pay genuine outstanding dues to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), they demand that authorities resolve disputes through mutual consultation. The session concluded with a proposal to provide small-scale industrialists with interest-free loans to facilitate the transition to environmentally friendly boiler technologies.