By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Demonstrating unwavering solidarity with the armed forces of Pakistan, the President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Mian Abuzar Shad, has formally sought a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to present a donation cheque of Rs10 million on behalf of the business community, as a gesture of support during the prevailing tension between Pakistan and India.
In an official letter addressed to the Army Chief, Mian Abuzar Shad acknowledged the Pakistan Army’s unflinching role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and providing a secure environment for business and economic activities. He emphasized that the business community of Lahore stands firmly with the armed forces in all circumstances—peace or war.
“This contribution is a humble gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces in the defense, peacekeeping, and humanitarian services to our beloved country,” Shad stated in the letter. “We recognize the immense challenges faced by our soldiers and their families and feel honored to contribute to their well-being and support efforts.”
LCCI, Pakistan’s oldest and premier trade body representing over 46,000 member companies, has long stood as a pillar of national economic strength. In times of national need, it has consistently extended moral and financial support to institutions protecting the country’s integrity. Mian Abuzar Shad’s initiative once again reflects this tradition of national unity.
Shad’s request for a personal meeting with the COAS aims not only to hand over the cheque but also to discuss issues of mutual interest and highlight the business community’s role in national stability. The letter expressed appreciation for General Munir’s efforts to create an enabling environment for business and trade under challenging circumstances.
The donation comes at a crucial juncture as tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated over recent political and military developments in the region. Amidst provocations and threats from across the border, voices of national solidarity have grown stronger within Pakistan’s civil and business sectors.
Mian Abuzar Shad has received widespread praise from the business community for taking the lead in reaffirming the private sector’s commitment to national defense. Various business leaders across Punjab and beyond have extended support to the LCCI president’s gesture and expressed willingness to join hands for similar causes.
In conversations with media, LCCI officials reiterated their trust in the Pakistan Army as the country’s most respected institution. “The business community sleeps peacefully because our soldiers are standing guard at the borders. It is our moral responsibility to stand by them in their hour of need,” said a senior executive committee member.
This is not the first time that LCCI has extended support to the armed forces. The Chamber has a history of national service, including relief funds during floods, donations during natural disasters, and support for defense institutions during previous conflicts. Under the leadership of Mian Abuzar Shad, this legacy continues with renewed vigor and nationalistic spirit.
In his message to the public and business fraternity, Mian Abuzar Shad urged unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility during challenging times. “Our economy, our sovereignty, and our peace are interconnected. This is not just a donation—it is a message to our enemies that Pakistan stands united,” he said.
He also urged other chambers and business associations to step forward and show their support in any possible manner. “Together, we are stronger. And together, we will defend this motherland with every resource at our disposal,” Shad concluded.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has requested the Army Chief’s office to schedule the meeting at a time of convenience. Once confirmed, the Rs10 million cheque will be officially presented, marking another historic moment of solidarity between Pakistan’s business sector and its armed forces.
This initiative stands as a testament to the spirit of patriotism, resilience, and unity that defines Pakistan’s private sector leadership.
