PIAF strengthens footprint as 7,000 traders officially come on board

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore (Pakistan):

The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Forum (PIAF) has strengthened its foothold in Lahore’s business community as the Shalimar Link Road Traders Association formally joined the platform — a move signaling growing confidence in PIAF’s leadership and vision.

The ceremony, held under the leadership of PIAF Patron-in-Chief and SAARC Chamber Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar and PIAF Chairman and Lahore Chamber President Faheemur Rehman Saigol, featured a delegation visit to Shalimar Link Road to welcome the new members.

The event was attended by Executive Committee members Shaban Akhtar, Ahsan Shahid, Firdous Nisar, and other prominent business leaders including Zeeshan Sohail Malik, Irfan Soni, and Rameez Deewan.

During the ceremony, Muhammad Kashif Sadiq, Chairman of the Shalimar Link Road Traders Association, officially announced the group’s membership in PIAF alongside other office-bearers, including Muhammad Azhar Chaudhry (President), Muhammad Younus (General Secretary), Arshad Ali Warraich (Chairman, Executive Committee), Jamil Mughal (Senior Vice Chairman), Shakeel Mughal (Vice Chairman), Mian Saeed (Senior Vice President), Mian Hanan (President, Mobile Wing), and Mian Nadeem (President, Sanitary Wing).

Addressing the gathering, Mian Anjum Nisar said recent elections had seen all rival groups unite against PIAF, but the forum prevailed through unity and dedication. He noted that the business community faces increasing revenue and governance challenges, urging policymakers to align decisions with ground realities.

“If domestic investors are relocating to Dubai, how will foreign investment come in?” he asked, adding that over three million youth enter Pakistan’s job market annually, and failure to create opportunities could lead to social unrest.

PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol highlighted that PIAF began with Lahore’s industrial base and is now expanding rapidly as traders across the city join its ranks. He reaffirmed that the forum will continue advocating for traders’ concerns at all levels.

Executive Committee member Shaban Akhtar said PIAF had already unified key industrial clusters such as Daroghawala, GT Road, and the Container Market Association. “With the addition of Shalimar Link Road, representing 7,000 traders, PIAF continues its mission to unify Lahore’s business community,” he added.

The inclusion of Shalimar Link Road traders further consolidates PIAF’s position as a credible representative of business interests in Lahore, reflecting a more organized and assertive response from the city’s trading community to economic and governance challenges.