LCCI calls for sustainable urban transport planning

Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged a shift toward integrated and sustainable planning for Pakistan's cities, according to Business Recorder. Speaking at an international seminar held at the chamber, he linked better planning to mobility, economic growth, investment and quality of life. The seminar was organised jointly with the Institute of Planners Pakistan.

The chamber president said rapid urbanisation is adding strain to cities through traffic congestion, weak public transport, problems with parking, poor walkability and pressure on infrastructure and essential services. He argued that planning must go beyond short-term fixes and connect transport, land use, housing, commerce, industry and environmental sustainability.

International speakers from the United States and Singapore addressed transport planning, travel demand forecasting and regional trade links. A Singapore-based consultant discussed the effect of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border closure on trade diversion in the region. Institute of Planners Pakistan president Umar Farooq said the event aimed to bring national and international experts together to identify sustainable solutions.