LAHORE (special crosspondent) – A dignified flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to commemorate Independence Day, serving as a moment for the business community to reflect on national unity and progress. LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol presided over the event, hoisting the national flag alongside Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, and the chief guest, Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including former LCCI and FPCCI President 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.

Commitment to Sovereignty and Regional Security

Addressing the attendees, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol emphasized that independence is a profound blessing, necessitating a collective commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty. He specifically highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a historic milestone, noting that it reflects the spirit of unity and collective security among Muslim nations. He underscored that in an evolving global landscape, strengthening defence cooperation while maintaining regional stability remains a primary objective for Pakistan.

Economic Self-Reliance as National Security

The LCCI President stressed that in the modern era, economic strength is inseparable from national security. “No country can achieve complete independence without economic self-reliance,” he noted, urging the government to reduce the cost of doing business and ensure policy continuity. He highlighted that the business community remains pivotal to Pakistan’s development, provided they are given a conducive environment to boost industrial production, exports, and investment.

Reflecting on these themes of national development, the business community has previously engaged in various activities to foster growth and local participation, such as when the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Distributes Over 7,000 Free Plants on Independence Day. Such initiatives echo the broader sentiment of contributing to the nation’s future.

Empowering the Next Generation

Saigol identified Pakistan’s youth as the country’s greatest asset, calling for increased focus on providing modern education, technical skills, and employment opportunities. He affirmed that the Lahore Chamber remains dedicated to fostering an environment where these goals can be realized, ultimately earning Pakistan greater stature in the international community. Similar efforts to engage citizens and promote unity have been seen in other sectors, including when the CM Punjab Independence Day Cycling Race Held from Lahore to Sahiwal to encourage healthy public engagement.

Unified Vision for Prosperity

Chief Guest Senator Shaheen Khalid Butt paid tribute to the immense sacrifices that secured Pakistan’s independence. He reiterated that national unity and economic development are the foundations of a prosperous state. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi also spoke, urging all citizens to prioritize national interest over political affiliations. They noted that fostering trade and industry is essential for overcoming current national challenges. For those interested in the broader impact of government fiscal decisions on the industry, the ECC Approves Revision in Dealers’ Margins on Petroleum Products stands as a key development for the sector.

The event concluded with a special prayer for the security, sovereignty, and prosperity of Pakistan, with participants reaffirming their dedication to national progress with enthusiastic slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad.”