Pakistan, Dec. 31 -- The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has informed the Punjab government that special economic zones (SEZs) cannot be exempted from land conversion fees under the existing legal framework. The authority said no provision in current laws, rules or regulations allows such an exemption.

The LDA conveyed its position while responding to a summary moved by the Industry, Commerce and Investment Department, which had sought the authority's views on waiving the fee. The summary followed a provincial cabinet decision taken on October 6, 2025, approving a conditional waiver of land conversion fees for SEZs established under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2012.

According to the summary, the industries department later realis...