Report by Irfan Siddiqui
KARACHI: Prominent social and business figure Syed Afzal Hameed, former Vice Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), current Chairman of Gulshan-e-Maymar Karachi and owner of Shangrila Builders, has said that stronger construction activity can accelerate economic growth, generate employment and support numerous allied industries across Pakistan.
Speaking to the media, Syed Afzal Hameed described the construction industry as a backbone of economic activity and employment generation. He said improved business conditions for builders and developers would stimulate investment and provide opportunities for businesses and workers throughout the country.
He explained that construction supports a wide network of connected industries, including cement, steel, glass, timber, electrical equipment, sanitary fittings and transport. When building activity increases, demand rises across these sectors, benefiting manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and small businesses.
Syed Afzal Hameed said the benefits of construction extend beyond individual projects and reach households through employment and commercial opportunities. New developments and the completion of ongoing projects, he added, provide work for engineers, architects, technicians, masons, electricians, plumbers and daily wage labourers.
He emphasised that Karachi’s economic progress was closely linked to peace, improved law and order and reduced political tensions. A stable environment encourages investors to commit resources and allows builders to carry out their projects with greater confidence.
Syed Afzal Hameed urged all political parties to prioritise peace, public welfare and national development. He said reducing political confrontation and focusing on economic priorities would help businesses expand and create more opportunities for ordinary citizens.
He observed that Karachi has considerable economic potential and that improvements in the city’s business environment could deliver benefits across Pakistan. Sustained construction activity, he said, would support livelihoods while strengthening confidence among investors and entrepreneurs.
Praising those associated with Karachi’s construction industry, Syed Afzal Hameed said builders and developers were contributing to the city’s development through their projects. He noted that construction work was progressing rapidly in Karachi, while Lahore and Islamabad were also witnessing increased activity.
He described these developments as encouraging for the national economy and acknowledged the government’s important role in supporting progress. Continued attention to the construction sector’s concerns, he added, could help sustain momentum and extend its benefits to more businesses and families.
Syed Afzal Hameed also appreciated law enforcement agencies for taking strict action against criminal groups demanding extortion from builders. He said these efforts deserved recognition because security was essential for protecting investment and ensuring that construction projects could proceed without intimidation.
Highlighting ABAD’s contribution, he described it as a leading representative organisation that had consistently raised the concerns of builders and developers. He said the association had played an important role in pursuing solutions through engagement with relevant authorities and would continue serving the industry.
He expressed confidence that cooperation among the government, law enforcement agencies and the business community would strengthen construction activity, expand employment and support Pakistan’s economic development. Senior builder Imran Kunda and Syed Ashraf Hameed were also present during the meeting.
