By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Ch Mehmood Aslam, Vice Chairman of PBG and leader of the Flower and Decoration Association at Shah Alam Market, has expressed serious concern over rising petroleum prices, increasing inflation and worsening traffic congestion in the city’s commercial areas, urging the government to introduce permanent reforms to protect traders and customers.
In an exclusive interview, he said continuously rising fuel prices had badly affected small businesses, transporters and daily consumers. According to him, every increase in petroleum prices directly raises transportation costs, electricity tariffs and the prices of essential goods, creating severe pressure on the business community.
Ch Mehmood Aslam said traders in Shah Alam Market were particularly suffering because customers were avoiding crowded commercial areas due to traffic jams, illegal parking and poor management. He stressed that inflation had reduced the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, resulting in declining sales across several sectors.
He strongly rejected the idea of lockdowns in the city as this hurt the economic activities and reduce tax collections.
He was of the view that smooth traffic flow around Shah Alam Market for heavy traffic and unnecessary vehicle movement is a big impediment, measures should be taken to improve business activity, pedestrian access and public safety.
He added that commercial hubs needed modern traffic planning similar to international business districts where pedestrian-friendly zones encourage shopping and economic activity.
Talking about encroachments, he said illegal occupation of roads and footpaths had become a major challenge for traders and visitors alike. He urged the authorities to launch a strict and transparent anti-encroachment operation without discrimination.
The business leader rejected the coercive measures of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force and said it could play an important role in restoring discipline in markets if implemented professionally and fairly.
He said the new enforcement system should focus on improving cleanliness, traffic flow and security while protecting the rights of genuine traders.
According to him, law enforcement agencies and market associations must work together to create a better business environment.
Ch Mehmood Aslam further stated that the government should provide relief to traders through reduced electricity tariffs, lower petroleum levies and simplified taxation policies. He warned that continued inflation without business relief measures could slow down economic activity and increase unemployment.
He also called for consultation with trader organizations before implementing major urban or economic policies. He said market representatives understood ground realities better and could provide practical solutions for improving commercial operations in Lahore.
The PBG leader emphasized that Shah Alam Market remained one of the country’s largest trading centers and required special attention from the government in terms of infrastructure, parking facilities and security arrangements.
Concluding the interview, Ch Mehmood Aslam said under the leadership of PBG Chairman Ali Hussam Asghar the business community is unted at all firums and wanted stability, transparent governance and long-term economic planning so traders could continue contributing positively to the national economy.
