Addressing a session at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the minister said that industrial plots would be leased at reduced rates to stimulate investment and promote economic growth. He further highlighted that, under the directive of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the establishment of a Garments City has been approved, while imports of machinery in free zones will now be subject to zero percent duty, creating a more business-friendly environment for investors.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol welcomed the minister’s announcement, while Senior Vice President Tanzeer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, former presidents, and members of the executive committee were also in attendance.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain revealed that in the past two years, significant reforms have been undertaken across industrial zones, particularly within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where plots lying idle for years have now been revoked. “From now on,” he emphasized, “if production does not commence within two years, the allocated plots will stand canceled.”
He further mentioned that security, housing, and banking facilities within FIEDMC and other industrial areas are being improved to support investors. International mobile giant Vivo is expected to commence manufacturing operations in Pakistan soon, while new projects in pharmaceuticals, plastics, furniture, and lithium batteries are also underway.
The minister added that industrial expansion is being extended to Sheikhupura, Vehari, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, and other cities. In Sialkot, a 1,400-acre Industrial Estate and a Surgical City are being developed to strengthen the region’s export potential.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain made it clear that misuse of industrial land will not be tolerated. Investors who fail to establish factories within five years will lose their plots. “Industrial growth remains the government’s foremost priority,” he stated, adding that all decisions will be taken in consultation with the business community to ensure sustainable economic development.
This firm stance reflects a shift from speculative landholding toward genuine industrialization—signaling that Punjab’s economic future will be built not on idle plots, but on active production and progress.
