LCCI Acting President Zeshan Khalil said here that industrial closure in the wake of smog had increased the number of unemployed people in province as these units employ thousands of workers.

He mentioned that Lahore Chamber had repeatedly made it clear that industries were not responsible for smog, citing that various factors were playing role in this regard and the major one was delay in rains that was a natural process and industries had nothing to do with it.

Zeshan Khalil said that deforestation, millions of vehicles and stubble burning were playing havoc with environment and the environment department must focus on these reasons as well.

LCCI Acting President said that industrial closure was causing huge damage to the businessmen, while a large number of daily-wagers were struggling for bread and butter while government was also facing revenue loss. "Although this phenomenon of smog has almost vanished after recent rain in the province. Issue of smog and pollution cannot be resolved until and unless true reasons are found and tackled accordingly.

Lahore Chamber is ready to play its best role in this regard by holding seminars and workshops to create awareness among the masses," he added.

He urged Punjab Chief Minister to take notice of this issue and direct environment department to reopen the closed industrial units with immediate effect.