By M Qadeer| The Tribune International | May 10, 2025
LAHORE – As Pakistan Army secures a decisive victory on the battlefield, a wave of national pride has swept across the country, with tributes pouring in from all walks of life. Among the most vocal supporters has been Lahore’s business community, led by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad, who announced the launch of a War Support Fund to assist the families of martyrs and to support the military in its ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s sovereignty and ideological frontiers.
In a strongly worded statement issued from the LCCI headquarters on Saturday, Mian Abuzar Shad greeted the Pakistan Army on its historic and heroic achievement and said that the entire business community of Lahore stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave sons of the soil who have once again demonstrated unyielding courage and unmatched sacrifice in the face of aggression.
“This is not just a military victory, it is a powerful reaffirmation of our national spirit, our unity, and our resilience,” Shad declared. “The Lahore business community is proud of our armed forces and will continue to mobilize every possible support — moral, financial, and logistical — to ensure that our defenders never stand alone.”
The triumph on the frontlines — details of which remain classified for security reasons — has nonetheless been widely celebrated as a strategic masterstroke. According to sources in the Ministry of Defence, the Pakistan Army thwarted a multi-pronged attack, dismantled several enemy strongholds, and reclaimed critical territory — all without a single inch of national soil lost.
From Karachi to Khyber and from Gwadar to Gilgit, spontaneous celebrations erupted as the news broke. Mosques echoed with prayers of gratitude, flags were raised on rooftops, and social media platforms turned into digital galleries of national pride, flooded with tributes, poetry, and photographs of fallen heroes.
In an extraordinary show of solidarity, Mian Abuzar Shad announced the establishment of the LCCI War Support Fund, aimed at collecting substantial donations from industrialists, traders, exporters, and retailers across Punjab.
“When our sons are laying down their lives for this nation, it is our moral obligation to step forward with tangible support,” Shad said. “Every rupee collected in this fund is a salute to the sacrifices made by our armed forces.”
He further revealed that major business groups and industrialists, including those from the textile, rice, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors, have pledged millions in support of the fund.
Under the leadership of the LCCI president, a city-wide mobilization campaign has begun. Banners proclaiming “Pakistan Army Zindabad” and “Long Live the Defenders of the Nation” now flutter over major intersections of Lahore, while various trade associations have announced their own localized fundraising and awareness efforts.
The transport unions, educational institutions, and healthcare groups have all extended support to the cause. In addition, religious leaders have pledged to dedicate upcoming Friday sermons to honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces and to remind the youth of the importance of national defense.
Business Leaders Speak
Usman Khalid, Senior Vice President, Shahid Nazir, Vice President remarked:
“The economic prosperity we seek can only exist in a secure Pakistan. Our soldiers are fighting on the borders so we can flourish in the markets. We stand with them.”
Several prominent members of the business community echoed Mian Abuzar Shad’s sentiments.
Muhammad Waqas, LCCI Executive Committee member, LCCI former Raja Hassan Akhtar said:
“We are forever indebted to our armed forces. Their courage on the battlefield gives us the peace to run our businesses. Supporting the War Support Fund is not just a donation — it’s a national duty.”
In his address, Mian Abuzar Shad also issued a stern warning to any forces conspiring against Pakistan.
“Let it be known to the world — Pakistan is not a nation that forgets its heroes. We do not bend, we do not break. Our business community may wield pens and ledgers, but our hearts beat in sync with the boots on the battlefield. We are one.”
He added that the message from Lahore is crystal clear: “The spirit of unity, sacrifice, and resistance that defines our soldiers also burns bright in our streets, schools, mosques, and markets.”
Despite the jubilation, Mian Abuzar Shad emphasized that this victory should not be mistaken as the end of vigilance.
“While we celebrate, we remain alert. Our enemies are persistent. But this war has proven, once again, that Pakistan is an impregnable fortress. The business community stands with every soldier, every martyr, and every family who has contributed to this victory.”
He concluded with prayers for the safety of the armed forces and for the continued unity of the nation.
“May Allah protect our soldiers, bless our nation with everlasting peace, and elevate the ranks of our martyrs. Pakistan Army Zindabad — Pakistan Paindabad!”
