By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE -Progressive Group Secretary General and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Executive Committee Member Chaudhry Mohsin Bashir has said that the upcoming chamber elections will be a contest between “election and selection”, asserting that the business community will decide the leadership through its vote.
Speaking in an interview, Bashir rejected what he described as attempts to influence the election process through closed-door decisions, saying that the Lahore business community should have the final authority in choosing its representatives.
“Lahore Chamber is not the personal property of any individual or group. It belongs to the entire business community,” he said, reiterating the Progressive Group’s slogan of “Chamber for All”.
Bashir said the group had challenged the traditional political structure in the 2024 LCCI elections and claimed it would repeat the same success in 2026 by mobilising traders, industrialists and voters across Lahore.
Responding to criticism regarding the chamber’s performance, Bashir highlighted several initiatives and said the group had raised its voice against difficult budgetary measures, opposed policies affecting businesses and supported the business community through collective action, including a historic strike.
“Those questioning what the chamber has achieved should look at our efforts on behalf of traders and industrialists,” he said, adding that protecting business interests remained the group’s priority.
Bashir also claimed that more than 13,000 new members had joined the Lahore Chamber, including around 6,000 new voters. He argued that the increasing membership reflected the relevance and importance of the chamber among the business community.
“If the chamber had become irrelevant, why would thousands of businesses continue to become part of it?” he questioned.
Addressing allegations related to corruption and membership issues, Bashir said accusations should be supported by evidence. “Making allegations is easy, but if there are charges, bring forward the proof. There will be an answer and accountability,” he said.
The Progressive Group leader claimed that despite several groups joining hands against them, the strength of his group came from direct engagement with traders and industrialists in different areas of Lahore, including markets from Daroghawala to Sundar and Shahdara to Gajjumatta.
He maintained that the group’s support base was built through years of organisational work rather than short-term alliances. According to Bashir, the Progressive Group’s 14-year struggle, continuous engagement with the business community and grassroots contacts had strengthened its position.
“The message of 2024 remains the same — anti-status quo. We will once again challenge the traditional system through the power of voters,” he said.
The LCCI elections are expected to witness a competitive contest among various business groups seeking representation in one of Pakistan’s largest chambers of commerce. The outcome will determine the future leadership of the chamber and its approach towards business advocacy, government engagement and economic policy issues.
