Economic activities: Inclusion of minorities may help achieve economic stability target
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora has said that inclusion of the minorities in economic activities could help achieve target of economic stability in shortest possible time.
He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, former Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Convener of the Standing Committee on Human Rights for Minorities Saleem Shakir also spoke on the occasion.
The visit was marked by a shared commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, minority empowerment and economic inclusiveness across the business landscape of Punjab.
In his address, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that minorities are vital stakeholders in Pakistan's development and must be included in all spheres of national life, especially economic policymaking and enterprise growth.
'The government believes in complete inclusion of minority communities in the economic mainstream. The time has come to provide targeted facilities and remove structural hurdles that hold back minority entrepreneurs', he added.
He further praised the minority-friendly policies of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and highlighted her vision of an inclusive and tolerant society.
He said that the inclusive policies of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are reflective of Jinnah's Pakistan. Under one flag, we are united. Our Constitution gives minorities their rights and it is our duty to turn those words into action.
He also paid tribute to the Sikh community worldwide for their unshakable support for Pakistan and lauded the role of Pakistan's armed forces in defending the rights of every citizen, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, in his welcome remarks, expressed his pride in the Lahore Chamber's diverse and inclusive membership, which includes a significant number of Christian and Sikh businesspersons. He said that the minorities have played an outstanding role in development of Pakistan
'It gives me great pride to say that the Lahore Chamber has always stood for the protection of human rights and equal economic opportunities for all citizens. Our Sikh and Christian members are actively contributing to the economic and social progress of Pakistan,' Mian Abuzar Shad added.
He said that we appreciate the Government of Punjab for entrusting you with the important portfolio of Minority Affairs. The Minister's role in promoting interfaith harmony across the province is commendable. He assured LCCI's full support in any initiative that promotes peace, unity and inclusive economic growth.
He also shared a comprehensive roadmap of the Standing Committee with the minister. The roadmap aims to illustrate how LCCI can play an effective role in interfaith harmony, human rights protection and the economic empowerment of minorities.
During the session, participants paid rich tributes to Ramesh Singh Arora for his unwavering services toward interfaith peace building, social cohesion and policy advocacy for minority rights.
The LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry said that the business community and government should work together to uplift all segments of society, especially those that have been historically marginalized.
The participants also made a human chain to expressed solidarity with the Pakistan's Armed Forces.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SHC orders opening of Governor House for acting governor
The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), comprising Justice K.K. Agha and Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, heard Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah's petition challenging the locking of Governor House offices. The court ordered the immediate reopening of these offices and directed the principal secretary to submit a compliance report by June 23. During the urgent hearing, the bench granted acting governor immediate access to the Sindh Governor's official residence. The court specifically ordered the unlocking of all offices (excluding private residential quarters) and restrained the principal secretary from obstructing the acting governor's access. The court also directed that a copy of the judicial order be transmitted to the President of Pakistan and the Principal Secretary of the Governor's House, Sindh. In the petition, it was averred that since assuming charge, the Acting Governor, Owais Qadir Shah, has been denied entry to the Governor's House for official duties which is a violation of Article 104 of the Constitution. Governor Kamran Tessori has been abroad since June 2. Acting Governor of Sindh, Owais Qadir Shah, informed the court that a meeting on law and order in the was scheduled for today, specifically to discuss matters related to Muharram. The home minister, secretary, IG Sindh, and other officials reached for the meeting. However, the principal secretary stated that the governor had taken the office keys with him. Owais Qadir Shah stated that this was an act of considering the Governor's House as their personal lounge. He cited the Constitution, which clearly states that in the absence of the governor, the acting governor can perform duties. Owais Qadir Shah said, he would write to the chief minister, highlighting that this was a mockery of the Constitution.
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business Recorder
LCCI, PPH agree to enhance bilateral trade with African countries
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Pakistan Products House have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, industrial collaboration economic cooperation between Pakistan and African countries. The MoU was formally signed by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and Managing Director of Pakistan Products House Shahid Sajjad Hussain. LCCI Executive Committee Members Khuram Lodhi and Ahsan Shahid were also present on the occasion. Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to strengthen business-to-business cooperation and expand economic linkages based on mutual interests. The MoU also outlines the exchange of business reports, research studies, market surveys, magazines, newsletters other trade-related information to enhance mutual understanding of market dynamics and policy frameworks. The two sides have agreed to jointly organize B2B meetings, trade exhibitions, seminars, conferences other trade-related events to build strong connections between the business communities of Pakistan and Africa. Speaking at the signing ceremony, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that the agreement marks a significant step forward in boosting Pakistan's exports and promoting 'Made in Pakistan' products in emerging African markets. He noted that Africa presents vast untapped potential for Pakistani industries such collaborations can unlock new trade opportunities. Shahid Sajjad Hussain, Managing Director of PPH, said that Pakistan Products House, established in six key cities across Africa, serves as a robust platform for showcasing high-quality Pakistani products. He said that the MoU will provide Pakistani exporters with enhanced access to new markets and buyers. This strategic partnership is expected to open new doors for Pakistan's business community looking to establish or expand their footprint in Africa. It is anticipated that this collaboration will not only boost exports but also strengthen bilateral economic ties between Pakistan and African nations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
LCCI for addressing Gulf visa challenges
Listen to article President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mian Abuzar Shad has urged the government to take immediate and concrete diplomatic steps to resolve the mounting challenges in the issuance of business and labour visas by the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The LCCI president said that continued delays and restrictions in visa issuance are causing serious disruptions to trade, investment and workforce mobility, which is affecting Pakistan's overall economic prospects in the region. He expressed deep concern over the growing number of complaints being received from businesspersons, exporters, investors and human resources who are facing significant obstacles in obtaining visas from these countries, which have traditionally been among the country's most important trade and labour partners. He said that the business community is suffering due to the lack of access to key Gulf markets where Pakistan has deep-rooted commercial and labour ties. These restrictions are not only causing distress to our entrepreneurs but also harming the nation's economic interests abroad. He strongly urged the federal government to immediately initiate high-level diplomatic dialogue with the concerned countries to resolve these issues on an urgent basis. Shad said that thousands of Pakistani businesses operate in these regions and that a significant portion of Pakistan's foreign remittances and exports are linked to the Gulf market. In light of this, any hurdles in the issuance of business and labour visas would not only dent Pakistan's economy but could also affect the development of host countries that benefit from skilled Pakistani labour and investments.
