LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has emphasized the urgent need for integrated and sustainable urban and regional planning to address Pakistan’s escalating transportation challenges. Speaking at an international seminar titled “The General Situation of Transportation, Urban & Regional Planning in Pakistan and a Sustainable Way Forward,” co-organized by the Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP) and the LCCI, he stressed that effective planning is vital to support economic growth, bolster investment, and improve the overall quality of life. The seminar featured a distinguished panel of international experts, including Healah Darman, International Vice President of ITE 2026, and Robert G. Schiffer, President of Plan-Plan Consulting, USA, alongside national stakeholders and urban development professionals. Addressing the gathering, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol highlighted that rapid urbanization is exerting immense pressure on infrastructure, leading to severe traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, and limited walkability. He advocated for moving beyond short-term fixes, calling instead for comprehensive strategies that harmonize land use, housing, commerce, and environmental sustainability. He noted that efficient transport systems are a cornerstone of economic activity, reducing logistics costs and business disruptions. The LCCI president also called for enhanced collaboration between government bodies, the private sector, and academia, noting that the private sector plays a critical role in public-private partnerships and the implementation of smart mobility solutions. He further underscored the need for data-driven planning to better prepare cities for climate-related risks, such as urban flooding. In his welcome address, IPP President Plnr. Umar Farooq highlighted the significance of uniting national and international experts to identify sustainable urban solutions. International contributors shared diverse perspectives; for instance, Dennis J. Smith, a Planner-in-Residence at Florida State University, discussed modern tools for community resilience, while E. Khong Kie Max of the SC&M Group, Singapore, analyzed the impact of regional trade shifts. National experts also contributed, with MPA Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, LDA, detailing the governance hurdles facing city transport. Plnr. Faisal Masood presented insights on the Lahore Master Plan 2050, and Dr. Obaidullah Nadeem, Chairman of the Department of City and Regional Planning at UET Lahore, delivered a keynote on the evolving role of planners in shaping the nation’s urban future. As the government continues to modernize infrastructure, such initiatives align with broader national development efforts, including the recently discussed PM Shehbaz approves establishment of Trade Facilitation Board to streamline commerce. Furthermore, the emphasis on robust infrastructure development mirrors the progress seen in other sectors, such as the Rs12bn Gadani Shipbreaking Yard Overhaul Begins, reflecting a country-wide move toward systematic capacity building. The event concluded with a call for the implementation of international best practices to ensure that Pakistan’s urban centers become more resilient, connected, and economically vibrant.