By M Qadeer
LAHORE — Businessman Safir Bashir, who is contesting for a seat on the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Executive Committee as a PPBA candidate, has outlined a range of issues that he says are important for Lahore’s business community.
A younger-generation businessman, Bashir has experience in international investment and commercial property and has participated in international business and finance forums. Publicly available professional information identifies him as a partner at Piccadilly & Co and shows his involvement in discussions concerning commercial property, investment and Islamic finance.
In an interview, Bashir discusses the challenges facing traders and industrialists, the need for stronger business representation, opportunities for young entrepreneurs, taxation, energy, exports, technology and the importance of connecting Lahore’s business community with international markets.
Q: You are a relatively young businessman entering the LCCI Executive Committee election. What motivated you to participate?
Safeer Bashir: The business environment is changing rapidly, and the younger generation has a responsibility to participate in institutions that represent the private sector.
Young businessmen are working with technology, international markets, new investment models and different approaches to entrepreneurship. Their experiences can contribute to discussions about the future direction of the business community.
For me, participation in LCCI is about understanding the concerns of businessmen and contributing to institutional dialogue. A chamber is not only about elections; it is a platform through which businesses can communicate with policymakers and develop practical solutions.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Lahore’s business community?
Bashir: Businesses are dealing with several challenges simultaneously. Taxation, energy costs, regulatory requirements, financing, inflation and uncertainty can all affect business decisions.
A businessman needs predictability. When someone invests capital in a business, he is making a decision for several years, not several weeks.
Therefore, policies affecting businesses should be clear and predictable. Government departments and business organisations should also maintain regular communication so that problems can be identified before they become larger obstacles.
Q: What role should LCCI play in addressing these problems?
Bashir: LCCI has an important institutional role because it represents businesses from many different sectors.
The chamber should listen to traders, manufacturers, exporters, importers, SMEs and service providers and understand the differences between their problems.
Representation should be based on consultation and facts.
When an issue is taken to the government, it should be supported by proper information and practical recommendations. At the same time, there should be follow-up after meetings.
Businessmen need representation that remains engaged with their problems throughout the year.
Q: How can young entrepreneurs be given a stronger voice?
Bashir: Young entrepreneurs should be encouraged to participate in business institutions.
The younger generation is working in technology, e-commerce, digital services, international investment and other emerging sectors. Their businesses may operate differently from traditional businesses.
This does not mean that traditional experience is less important. In fact, the strongest model is to combine the experience of established businessmen with the ideas and technological understanding of younger entrepreneurs.
LCCI can provide opportunities for young businessmen through committees, seminars, mentorship and networking programmes.
Q: What is your view of the taxation system?
Bashir: Pakistan needs an effective taxation system, but businesses need clarity and simplicity.
A businessman should understand what his obligations are, how taxes are calculated and what procedures he needs to follow.
Complexity creates difficulties, particularly for smaller businesses that do not have large administrative teams.
The government also needs to broaden the documented economy. If more economic activity becomes documented, the tax burden can be distributed across a wider base.
Business organisations should be consulted when taxation policies are being developed so that policymakers understand their practical impact.
Q: What are the implications of high energy costs for businesses?
Bashir: Energy costs have a direct effect on competitiveness.
For industrial businesses, electricity and other energy expenses are part of the cost of production. If these costs increase significantly, businesses face difficulties competing in domestic and international markets.
Pakistan therefore needs a long-term energy strategy.
The discussion should cover not only prices but also reliability, efficiency and investment in alternative sources.
Businesses need to be able to plan their production without uncertainty about energy supply.
Q: How can Pakistan increase exports?
Bashir: Export growth requires competitiveness and diversification.
We need to move beyond dependence on a limited number of products and markets.
Pakistan has entrepreneurs and businesses capable of entering international markets, but they need support in areas such as finance, technology, logistics, certification, market research and trade facilitation.
There is also a major opportunity in services and technology-related exports.
Business institutions can help by connecting Pakistani companies with international networks and providing information about market opportunities.
Q: You have experience with international business and investment. How can Lahore’s business community benefit from greater international engagement?
Bashir: International exposure can provide businesses with access to new markets, investment partners, technology and knowledge.
Lahore has a large business community with considerable entrepreneurial potential. The challenge is to connect this potential with international opportunities.
Business delegations, investment forums and structured networking can help.
However, international engagement should be based on genuine business opportunities rather than simply travelling or attending events.
The objective should be to create partnerships, attract investment, develop markets and generate economic activity.
Q: What opportunities do you see for Pakistan’s real estate and investment sectors?
Bashir: Real estate is an important economic sector, but investment requires transparency, proper structures and confidence.
International investors look at many factors before committing capital, including regulation, market information, governance and long-term stability.
Pakistan can benefit from developing investment structures that are transparent and professionally managed.
There is also growing international discussion around asset-backed investment and Islamic finance. Pakistani businesses can participate in these areas if the right institutional and regulatory environment is available.
Q: What role can technology play in improving business activity?
Bashir: Technology can reduce costs and improve efficiency.
From digital payments and accounting systems to e-commerce and online government services, technology can simplify many aspects of doing business.
Government departments should continue moving services online wherever possible.
For the chamber itself, technology can improve communication with members. Businesses should be able to receive information, submit concerns and follow developments through efficient digital platforms.
Q: What special attention should be given to SMEs?
Bashir: SMEs need practical support because their resources are often limited.
A small business owner may not have a dedicated taxation department, legal team or technology specialist.
Simplifying procedures can therefore have a significant impact.
Access to finance is another important issue. Viable small businesses should be able to explore appropriate financing options without unnecessary procedural barriers.
SMEs should also be encouraged to adopt technology and develop products that can eventually enter export markets.
Q: How can the government and private sector improve coordination?
Bashir: Dialogue should be continuous rather than limited to moments of crisis.
Government officials need feedback from businesses because policies that look straightforward on paper can sometimes create unexpected difficulties during implementation.
Business organisations should also approach policymakers with constructive proposals.
The objective should be to find workable solutions.
A healthy government-business relationship does not mean that every issue will be resolved immediately. It means both sides have an institutional mechanism through which concerns can be discussed.
Q: What should be done to make it easier to start and expand businesses?
Bashir: Entrepreneurs should not spend excessive time navigating complicated procedures.
The process of registration, licensing, taxation and other regulatory requirements should be as straightforward as possible.
Digitisation can help reduce unnecessary interaction and improve transparency.
There should also be greater coordination among government departments so that businesses do not have to provide the same information repeatedly.
Q: How important is policy stability for investors?
Bashir: It is extremely important.
Investment decisions involve long-term planning. Whether someone is establishing a factory, expanding a company or investing in a commercial project, they need to assess the future business environment.
Frequent policy changes can make long-term planning difficult.
Pakistan needs economic policies that provide reasonable continuity and allow businesses to plan investment, employment and expansion.
Q: What should be the relationship between LCCI and trade associations?
Bashir: The relationship should be based on cooperation.
Trade associations have detailed knowledge of their respective sectors, while LCCI has a broader platform representing businesses across Lahore.
If the two work together, issues can be identified more accurately and presented more effectively to government institutions.
LCCI should maintain communication with market associations and sector-specific bodies and use their feedback when developing policy recommendations.
Q: How can Lahore become more attractive for investment?
Bashir: Lahore already has significant commercial and industrial activity. To attract additional investment, the city needs efficient infrastructure, reliable utilities, effective municipal services and a predictable regulatory environment.
Investors look at the overall ecosystem.
Transport, digital connectivity, skilled manpower, financial services and ease of doing business all contribute to investment decisions.
Business institutions can work with government agencies to identify gaps and propose improvements.
Q: What can be done to promote entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis?
Bashir: Young people need opportunities to turn ideas into businesses.
Entrepreneurship programmes should focus not only on motivational talks but also on practical skills, business planning, finance, marketing and technology.
Established businessmen can contribute by mentoring younger entrepreneurs.
There is also potential for stronger connections between universities, technology companies, investors and chambers of commerce.
Q: What would you like to see from the LCCI in the coming years?
Bashir: I would like to see a chamber that remains closely connected with its members and responds to the changing needs of business.
The economic environment is evolving quickly. Traditional sectors remain important, but technology, digital commerce, international investment and new financial models are becoming increasingly relevant.
The chamber should therefore provide space for different generations and sectors of the business community.
Q: What is your message to LCCI members during the election period?
Bashir: The election provides an opportunity for members to consider the issues that matter to their businesses and the kind of representation they want from their chamber.
My own emphasis is on business engagement, innovation, stronger connections between generations of entrepreneurs and greater interaction with domestic and international markets.
The LCCI is an important institution for Lahore’s private sector. Whatever the outcome of the election, the business community needs to remain engaged with the chamber and continue presenting practical proposals on taxation, energy, exports, investment and ease of doing business.
The objective should ultimately be to strengthen businesses, encourage investment and create opportunities for entrepreneurs across different sectors.
