LAHORE (special crosspondent) – Acting President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, has underscored the necessity for Pakistan to promote positive change, integrity, responsibility, and professionalism to project an improved image of the country on the international stage. He asserted that commerce, honesty, and refined conduct are essential not only for bolstering the national economy but also for enhancing Pakistan’s global reputation.

LCCI Seminar on Uzbekistan Relations

These views were expressed by Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh while chairing a seminar titled “Economic Opportunities and the Religious Heritage of Uzbekistan,” organized by the LCCI. The event was also attended by LCCI Executive Committee Member Firdous Nisar. The seminar featured addresses by Dr. Tariq Sharifzada, Convener of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs; H.E. Mudassir Tipu, Ambassador of Pakistan to Uzbekistan, who joined the session via Zoom; and Kashif Younas Mehr, the Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan. Notable attendees included former Executive Committee Member Naeem Hanif, Javed Ijaz, Pandit Bahgat Lal, Nighat Izhar, Muhammad Haris, Anam Qazi, and Danish Zafar.

Call for Professional Training and Moral Standards

Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh emphasized that the religious heritage and economic potential of Uzbekistan hold immense importance for Pakistan. He advocated for providing comprehensive training to Pakistani businessmen, students, and professionals prior to their travel abroad, ensuring they act as positive ambassadors for the nation. He maintained that success in the contemporary global landscape is rooted not only in economic advancement but also in moral values, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. He added that if Pakistanis establish themselves as a responsible and reliable nation, the country’s standing in the international community would improve significantly. As the chamber continues to foster stronger trade and diplomatic ties, Sheikh suggested that Pakistani embassies should adopt a more proactive role in organizing educational, cultural, and business-oriented programs to strengthen bilateral relations. He assured that the LCCI would continue to extend its full support to such initiatives.

Deepening Cultural and Economic Cooperation

In his address, Dr. Tariq Sharifzada lauded the LCCI for organizing a discussion on such a vital subject. He noted that increasing awareness and fortifying relations with Uzbekistan and other Muslim nations remains a paramount need. He observed that better mutual understanding forms the bedrock for stronger economic, social, and cultural cooperation. Dr. Sharifzada remarked that Pakistan and Uzbekistan share centuries-old historical and religious ties, which should be further cemented through consistent academic and intellectual engagement. Participants engaged in a detailed discourse regarding Uzbekistan’s historical significance and its growing economic prospects, emphasizing the need for enhanced trade and people-to-people contacts across Central Asia. The consensus among the participants was that greater cooperation and robust business linkages are essential to open new avenues for mutual growth and development.