By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Sheikh Zain Elahi, a prominent leader of PBG and Executive Committee Member of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said that economic stability and commercial growth are impossible without controlling inflation, removing encroachments and improving urban management across major business centers.
Speaking during an interview, he said traders across Lahore were facing immense difficulties due to increasing petroleum prices, high inflation and declining purchasing power among consumers. He noted that every hike in fuel prices triggered a chain reaction that affected transportation, industrial production and retail businesses.
Sheikh Zain Elahi stated that small and medium enterprises were among the worst affected sectors as operational costs continued to rise while profit margins shrank. He urged policymakers to focus on economic relief measures that could revive market confidence and support investment.
Discussing Lahore’s commercial areas, he stressed the need for effective anti-encroachment operations to restore smooth traffic flow and improve the shopping environment. He said illegal stalls, roadside parking and unregulated structures had created serious problems for traders and customers.
According to him, market accessibility was essential for commercial success, and authorities should ensure roads, footpaths and entry points remained clear at all times. He added that anti-encroachment drives must be implemented fairly and consistently without targeting specific groups.
Talking about the recently introduced Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority force, he said PERA could become an effective institution if it worked transparently and coordinated closely with trader associations.
Sheikh Zain Elahi emphasized that permanent traffic management plans were needed in busy commercial zones to reduce congestion and improve customer movement. He said several international cities had successfully introduced pedestrian-friendly business districts, and similar models could benefit Lahore’s historic markets.
The PBG leader also called for reducing petroleum levies and easing the tax burden on the business community. He maintained that industries and traders were already struggling with expensive electricity, high fuel costs and unstable economic conditions.
He urged the government to engage chambers of commerce and trader representatives while formulating economic and urban development policies. According to him, practical consultation with stakeholders would help create sustainable and business-friendly solutions.
Concluding the interview, Sheikh Zain Elahi said the under the dynamic leadership of PBG chairman Ali Hussam Asghar business community remained committed to supporting Pakistan’s economy but needed stability, transparency and supportive government policies to continue expanding commercial activity and employment opportunities.
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