National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), in collaboration with the Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA), inaugurated a 10-day Lahore Transport Week from July 22 to July 31, 2024, under the theme “City on the Move: Now Dreams Take Flight” at NESPAK House in Lahore.
The event features consultative sessions and seminars aimed at uniting stakeholders, government departments, and agencies to synergize their efforts under the Committee of Integrated Urban Transport Planning (C-IUTP), established by the government on March 15, 2024. The event will culminate in a symposium to integrate findings and recommendations of the experts.
Attendees will include government officials, academia, media, citizens, local and international development partners, and other stakeholders. On the first day, Punjab Minister for Transport and Masstransit Bilal Akbar Khan was the guest of honor. Secretary for Transport and Masstransit Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Lahore Commissioner Zaid Maqsood, PMA Managing Director Kanwar Anwaar Ali Khan, NESPAK Managing Director Muhammad Zargham Eshaq Khan, Urban Unit CEO Umar Masood, Chief Traffic Officer Amara Athar, and Daewoo Express owner Shaheryar Chishty also shared their opinions on the occasion.
It is worth to note here that national and foreign experts in urban transport planning also shared their insights on Lahore’s public transport challenges. The first day’s theme was “Uncovering City’s Insights,” where experts reviewed Lahore’s transport challenges. NESPAK Managing Director Muhammad Zargham Eshaq Khan welcomed the guests and emphasized the need for a strategic approach to public transport issues.
Other speakers highlighted the current challenges, including traffic congestion, infrastructural stresses, and inadequacy of public transport. They stressed importance of joint efforts by all relevant departments for effective solutions and the comprehensive development of Lahore’s master plan. Discussions also covered evaluation and updating of the Integrated Bus Operations (IBO) network in Lahore. Key topics included urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability through innovative transport solutions.