By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — A dignified flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of Independence Day. LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol hoisted the national flag along with Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi and Chief Guest Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt.
The ceremony was attended by former President LCCI and FPCCI Mian Anjum Nisar, former President Muhammad Ali Mian, former Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Nasrullah Mughal and Executive Committee members Firdous Nisar, Amna Randhawa, Ahad Amin Malik, Amir Ali, Omer Sarfaraz, Abdul Majeed, Imran Saleemi, Sheikh Muhammad Fayyaz, Nadeem Ansari and Irfan Ahmed Qureshi.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan’s independence is a great blessing from Almighty Allah. Independence Day provides an opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting the country’s national identity, sovereignty and freedom.
He said that Pakistan is today playing its role in the world as a strong, sovereign and responsible state, and national unity is essential to make the country even stronger.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an important and historic development in cooperation between Pakistan and brotherly Islamic countries.
He said that the agreement would further strengthen mutual trust, defence cooperation and the commitment to collective security among Muslim countries. In the changing global environment, he said, it is extremely important for Islamic countries to stand by one another, adding that Pakistan has always sought strong relations and greater cooperation with brotherly Muslim countries.
He said that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is not limited to defence cooperation but also reflects the spirit of unity, mutual trust and the collective commitment of brotherly Islamic countries to protect their common interests. Pakistan’s defence capabilities, professional armed forces and cooperation with brotherly countries can play a positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region, he added.
The Lahore Chamber President said that on Independence Day, it is also important to recognize that in today’s world, a strong economy, alongside strong defence, is a fundamental requirement of national security. No country can achieve complete independence and sovereignty without economic self-reliance. Pakistan must increase industrial production, exports and investment while creating more employment opportunities.
He said that the business community is playing a key role in Pakistan’s economic development. The government should further improve the business environment, reduce the cost of doing business, ensure continuity in policies and provide the private sector with a conducive environment for growth. A strong economy, he added, would enable Pakistan to earn greater respect and stature in the international community.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan’s youth are its greatest asset and providing them with modern education, skills and employment opportunities is a pressing need. He expressed the resolve that the Lahore Chamber would continue playing its role in strengthening the national economy, promoting trade and industry, increasing exports and attracting investment.
Chief Guest Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt congratulated the nation on Independence Day and said that Pakistan’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifices. He said that national unity, strong defence and economic development are essential for building a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He also described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an important development for cooperation and collective security among Muslim countries.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi also congratulated the nation on Independence Day and said that every Pakistani must play their part in the country’s development and prosperity. They said that the challenges facing Pakistan must be addressed through national unity and by keeping the national interest above political affiliations. They also highlighted the important role of the business community in strengthening the national economy through the promotion of industry and trade.
The ceremony concluded with a special prayer for the security, sovereignty, economic development and prosperity of Pakistan. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, strong defence, economic stability and the progress of Pakistan with enthusiastic slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad.”