President Alvi calls for collective efforts to deal with societal challenges

A delegation of the Executive Committee of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), led by President Kashif Anwar, met with President Dr. Arif Alvi at the Governor House in Lahore.

LCCI SVP Senior Vice President Zafar Mehmood Ch, Executive Committee Members Mian Attiq ur Rehman, Tariq Mehboob, Jabbar Khalid, Raja Hassan Akhter, Shamim Akhter, Fareeha Younas, Malik Nadeem, Riaz ul Hassan, Malik Usman, Rizwan Haider and Waseem Yousaf were also present on the occasion.
President LCCI Kashif Anwar and the Executive Committee members commended President Alvi and First Lady Samina Alvi for their unwavering dedication to various social causes including trade and industry, women empowerment, breast cancer awareness, education, outreach to out-of-school children, and mental health.

President Arif Alvi acknowledged the efforts of the Lahore Chamber and emphasized LCCI’s consistent support for women empowerment, disability rights, and social awareness.
He said that he always draws inspiration from Islamic history and highlights its teachings on statehood, and stressed the importance of prioritizing the well-being of one’s own household. He emphasized the significance of protecting and empowering the family unit, stating that providing rights to children is crucial for their strengthening.

Regarding women empowerment, President Arif Alvi noted Pakistan’s lag behind Afghanistan in the global rankings, underscoring the need for collective responsibility towards women, persons with disabilities, and upholding the law and rights.
Furthermore, he addressed the issue of malnutrition and the staggering number of out-of-school children in Pakistan, estimating the need for an additional 55 thousand schools to accommodate them. He emphasized that educating these children could significantly boost the country’s economy.

President Alvi stressed the importance of consulting stakeholders in policy-making. LCCI President Kashif Anwar highlighted the support received from the President House during Dr. Arif Alvi’s tenure, mentioning numerous functions organized there. He emphasized LCCI’s commitment to enhancing the economy, particularly stressing the crucial role of women in economic development.

Kashif Anwar expressed optimism within the business community regarding post-election stability for businesses. He praised the First Lady for her significant contributions to breast cancer awareness, healthcare, and education.

Furthermore, Kashif Anwar stated that LCCI is actively promoting women’s empowerment, evidenced by initiatives such as the establishment of a women’s empowerment lounge and the organization of the first Women Entrepreneurs Recognition Ceremony. Additionally, he noted the recognition of IT freelancers through an award ceremony, acknowledging their contribution to foreign reserves and stressing the need to prioritize the well-being and support of the IT sector.

Kashif Anwar announced the upcoming SAARC Fair scheduled from March 7 to 9, affirming LCCI’s full cooperation for the event. He also highlighted LCCI’s One Window Facilitation Desk, which provides assistance to its members, while expressing appreciation for the support received from both federal and provincial governments.