“I have kept my doors open—and will always stand by the business community”
By Muhammad Qadeer
LAHORE: Vice President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Shahid Nazir Chudhary, has become a trusted name among the traders, industrialists, and entrepreneurs of Lahore. His hands-on leadership, open-door policy, and fast response to member concerns have earned him immense respect during his tenure. In this exclusive interview, Shahid Nazir shares his journey, challenges, achievements, and future plans for the business community.
Q: Mr. Shahid Nazir, thank you for your time. Let’s begin by asking: How has your experience been as Vice President of LCCI?
Shahid Nazir Chudhary: Thank you. It has been a deeply humbling and purpose-driven experience. I come from a business background, so I know firsthand the hurdles our traders and industrialists face daily. From the start, I committed to keeping my doors open for everyone. Whether it’s a seasoned exporter or a struggling small-scale trader, every voice deserves to be heard. I have worked with sincerity and will continue to do so with even more energy.
Q: What sets your leadership style apart from others in business politics?
Chudhary: Openness and action. Many people hold office, but few are truly accessible. I made a conscious effort to change that. My office has remained open without protocol. Anyone who came to me with a genuine issue—be it taxation, electricity, import-export, licensing, or regulatory matters—was welcomed, heard, and supported. I believe this transparency and responsiveness builds long-term trust.
Q: Could you highlight some of the key problems you’ve addressed during your time at LCCI?
Chudhary: Certainly. One of the biggest challenges was excessive billing and disconnection issues with LESCO. Many businesses were being wrongly overcharged or facing unjustified penalties. I personally led delegations, conducted joint sessions, and ensured quick resolution. We succeeded in getting many overbilled cases reversed.
Another issue was the delayed sales tax and income tax refunds from FBR. These refunds are vital for business cash flows. Through coordinated efforts and continuous follow-ups, we got several long-pending cases expedited.
We also engaged with local government officials on easing licensing requirements for small businesses and ensured the restoration of certain trade permissions that had been blocked without reason.
Q: The business community often complains about lack of access to decision-makers. How have you addressed this gap?
Chudhary: I strongly believe that representation is about connection. It’s not enough to sit in a chamber office; you must be present where the problems are. I made it a point to hold weekly open forums, visit industrial zones, attend market committee meetings, and maintain direct phone contact with our members. I also facilitated meetings between traders and government officials so both parties could hear each other out. That’s how real change happens—through face-to-face dialogue, not paperwork alone.
Q: You were elected as part of the Pioneer Business Group, which broke away from the traditional powerhouses in LCCI. What inspired this change?
Chudhary: The Pioneer Business Group was born out of the need for fresh thinking and real commitment. For years, the same groups dominated chamber politics but failed to deliver meaningful results. We came in with a mission: serve the community, not ourselves. We’ve shown that with sincerity, even a new group can make a big difference. My victory was not just personal—it was a victory for every businessman who was tired of false promises.
Q: How do you see the future of business in Lahore and your role in shaping it?
Chudhary: Lahore has always been Pakistan’s commercial heartbeat. But to stay competitive, we must improve the business climate, ensure ease of doing business, and help SMEs and exporters thrive. I will continue to advocate for simplified tax policies, modern infrastructure, digital facilitation, and skilled workforce development. LCCI should not only be a support system—it should be a growth partner. That’s the role I want to strengthen.
Q: Do you have any new initiatives in the pipeline?
Chudhary: Yes. We are working on launching a digital complaint portal, where members can register issues and track their resolution in real-time. I’m also planning a monthly ‘Business Problems Review’ session where members from different sectors will be invited to speak freely about their issues and propose solutions. Moreover, we’re exploring partnerships with universities to develop internship and training programs for young entrepreneurs and family-run businesses.
Q: What keeps you motivated to serve day after day?
Chudhary: The gratitude and prayers of our community. When a shopkeeper comes to you with tears in his eyes because his meter was wrongly disconnected, and you help him get justice—that’s more rewarding than any title or position. I see every issue not just as a file—but as a family’s livelihood. That is what keeps me going.
Q: Lastly, your message for the business community of Lahore?
Chudhary: Stay united and stay involved. Never believe that your voice doesn’t matter. LCCI is your platform, and I am your servant. I pledge to continue working with honesty, speed, and dedication. If you need me, my doors and my heart are open—always.
Conclusion:
Shahid Nazir Chudhary has redefined what it means to serve in a business leadership role. With integrity, accessibility, and action-driven strategies, he has built trust across all levels of Lahore’s vast business community. As he looks forward to continuing his service, the message is clear: LCCI, under his vice presidency, remains a chamber for the people, by the people.
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