LAHORE: The Punjab government says that proposals for opening of restaurants in Lahore and other cities under Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) soon after Eidul Azha would be forwarded to the federal government in a day or two.

Likewise, it says that the proposal for opening of marriage halls in the first week of September would also be forwarded for approval.

“We are considering proposals seeking opening of restaurants under Covid SOPs soon after Eidul Azha. And soon we would forward them to the federal government. Moreover, proposal for opening of marriage halls in the first week of September would also be forwarded for approval,” Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment Mian Aslam Iqbal told businessmen at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday.

He pledged that the issue of scattered industrial zones regularization would be resolved in Lahore Metropolitan city once its existing master plan is updated / amended and finalized. He also assured the business community that no notice would be served to their industrial units till finalization of the master plan.

“I assure you that no notice would be served to your industrial unit setup at the scattered areas till finalization of the new Master Plan for Lahore. This issue would be resolved as soon as the new Master Plan for Lahore is prepared and enforced,” he added.

On demand of the LCCI President, the minister directed the Water and Sanitation Agency MD to resolve the issue of disparity in water charges in Lahore’s industrial areas and different cities immediately keeping in view the growth of businesses.

“Wasa and LCCI should have meetings and form proposals till August 15 so that these can be forwarded to the government for necessary amendments in this regard,” he said.

He also directed the Wasa MD to ensure up-to-date drainage system in the markets to avoid financial losses to the business community. “Punjab government is fully aware of its responsibilities and would utilize all resources to solve the problems faced by the industry. Growth of industry, commerce and investment and sustained development in Punjab through a business friendly environment is top agenda of the government.”

Earlier speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said the industry situated in different parts of the city should be regularized without any hurdle. He said that businesses are already in a deep trouble due to COVID-19 therefore no notice should be served. He said that businesses of marriage halls, caterers and restaurants are closed for the last five months. They should be allowed to do businesses with SOPs.

“We demand that traders should be allowed to do 24/7 businesses till Eid as they have suffered a lot,” he sought.

RETRIEVED: Lahore Development Authority teams on Wednesday retrieved six plots from land grabbers in various parts of Johar Town. The plots retrieved (four of five marla, one of seven marla and another of one Kanal) were Plot No.126 in K block, plot No 69-C in block J-3, plot No 69-D in block J3, plot No525 bloc H-1. 5 Marla, plot No 257-bloc- L and plot No 911 bloc Q, according to a spokesman.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2020