LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol has emphasized the need for integrated and sustainable urban and regional planning to address Pakistan’s growing transportation challenges, improve mobility and create cities that support economic growth, investment and a better quality of life.
He was speaking while chairing an international seminar on “The General Situation of Transportation, Urban and Regional Planning in Pakistan and a Sustainable Way Forward,” jointly organized by the Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the LCCI. President IPP Umar Farooq and international speakers also attended the event.
The LCCI President said rapid urbanization was placing increasing pressure on Pakistan’s cities, particularly in terms of traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, parking, walkability, infrastructure and access to essential services.
He stressed that urban planning must move beyond short-term solutions and adopt integrated approaches that connect transportation, land use, housing, commerce, industry and environmental sustainability.
IPP President Umar Farooq highlighted the importance of bringing national and international planning experts together to discuss Pakistan’s transportation and urban development challenges and identify sustainable solutions.
International experts shared their perspectives on transportation planning, travel demand forecasting, community resilience and regional trade connectivity. Healah Darman, International Vice President of ITE 2026 and International President-elect for 2027, USA, spoke on global perspectives and practices in transportation planning.
Robert G. Schiffer, AICP, President of Plan-Plan Consulting, USA, discussed enhanced travel forecasting for long-range transportation planning, while Dennis J. Smith, FACIP, Planner-in-Residence at Florida State University and associated with Ferris State University’s planning research initiatives, spoke on emerging tools for community resilience in transportation planning.
E. Khong Kie Max, Founder and Principal Consultant of SC&M Group, Singapore, addressed the impact of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border closure and resulting trade diversion in the region.
MPA Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry, Chairman Public Accounts Committee, LDA, spoke on transport governance and planning challenges in Pakistan’s cities, while Chief Metropolitan Planner LDA Faisal Masood discussed the Lahore Master Plan 2050.
Dr. Obaidullah Nadeem, Professor and Chairman, Department of City and Regional Planning, UET Lahore, delivered the keynote address on re imagining Pakistan’s urban future and the changing role of urban planners.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026