EPZA Lahore office closure causes alarm

LAHORE:

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concern over reports that the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) intends to shut down its regional office in Lahore.

The decision appears rushed and lacking justification, according to a statement released by LCCI on Friday. The chamber noted that the new EPZA chairman reportedly initiated the proposal immediately after assuming charge without fully examining its implications for Punjab's business sector.

LCCI highlighted that whilst the EPZA head office is based in Karachi, all matters related to Punjab's Export Processing Zones, including those in Sialkot and Gujranwala, have long been handled efficiently through the Lahore office. Closing this office could create an administrative gap and weaken coordination.