In past years, the allocation of chairmanships was often driven by nepotism. This unfortunate trend not only undermined the purpose of the committees but also deprived the business community of the benefits these committees
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
LAHORE: The President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mian Abuzar Shad, has said a significant shift in the appointment of conveners for the chamber’s standing committees.

Going forward, these critical positions will be handed over to traders and industrialists who have deep expertise in their respective fields.
This very strategy is aimed at ensuring that the Lahore business community can drive benefit from their knowledge and experience, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of these committees.
Talking to media, Mian Abuzar Shad highlighted the need for a more merit-based approach in appointing chairmen, a practice he said had been neglected in the past. “In past years, the allocation of chairmanships was often driven by nepotism,” Shad remarked. “This unfortunate trend not only undermined the purpose of the committees but also deprived the business community of the benefits these committees could bring in solving industry-related issues.”
The LCCI President admitted standing committees play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by the trade and industrial sectors. They act as platforms for industry representatives to present their concerns, propose solutions, and work with relevant government bodies to facilitate business-friendly policies. However, Shad pointed out in recent years, many standing committees had failed to live up to their potential due to the appointment of unqualified individuals who lacked the necessary expertise and understanding of the sectors they were tasked with representing.
To treat this situation, Mian Abuzar Shad stressed the new appointments would be made based on a person’s credentials, practical experience, and contributions to their respective fields. He further added the LCCI is currently in the process of identifying true representatives of Lahore’s trade and industrial sectors who are equipped to take on these leadership roles. The aim, he said, is to ensure that the standing committees are chaired by individuals who are well-versed in the challenges faced by their industries and are capable of making real contributions to the business community’s growth.
The LCCI President’s decision is being hailed as a positive step toward improving the chamber’s role in supporting businesses and advocating for their needs. By prioritizing merit and expertise, Mian Abuzar Shad said it aimed to foster a more dynamic, solutions-oriented environment within the Lahore Chamber, which could lead to more effective representation of the business community at large.
The business community has welcomed this decision, hoping the move will yield tangible benefits for the industry, helping businesses address their issues more efficiently and promote sustainable economic growth.

