Pakistan business leaders call for urban planning and district-led economic reforms

Business leaders in Pakistan are calling for structural reforms to address economic stagnation and urban challenges. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), emphasized the need for integrated and sustainable urban and regional planning. During an international seminar, Saigol noted that rapid urbanization is causing traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, and infrastructure constraints, requiring a coordinated framework that links transportation, land use, and environmental sustainability.

Separately, SM Tanveer of the United Business Group advocated for a district-based economic development model to revive the national economy. Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue in Lahore, Tanveer suggested that empowering local districts could unlock untapped potential in sectors such as wind energy, coal, and specialized manufacturing. He expressed concern over declining exports and factory closures, suggesting that Pakistan should look to models like China's district-led growth to foster industrial progress.