LCCI celebrates Women’s Day, emphasizes economic empowerment, skill development

Turkey’s Consul General Mehmet Emin Semsek along with his wife, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development Salma Sadia Taimur, Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul Yaseen Joya, DG TD&P Rafia Syed and several former LCCI office-bearers and committee members grace occasion

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 27th, 2026) The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) hosted a grand ceremony to mark International Women’s Day, chaired by Faheem Ur Rehman Sehgal. The event was attended by senior LCCI officials, including Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi, as well as prominent domestic and foreign diplomats and business leaders.

Turkey’s Consul General Mehmet Emin Semsek, along with his wife, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development Salma Sadia Taimur, Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul Yaseen Joya, DG TD&P Rafia Syed and several former LCCI office-bearers and committee members were also present.

Addressing the audience, Faheem Ur Rehman Sehgal said this is the second consecutive year the chamber has hosted a Women’s Day event, reflecting its commitment to women’s economic empowerment. He highlighted the critical role of women in societal progress, stressing that empowering women with skills and modern training is essential for Pakistan’s development.

Sehgal pointed out that nearly 65% of Pakistan’s population is young, including a large number of women, making skill development a pressing need. He noted that women already contribute significantly in sectors like agriculture and textiles, with over 3,000 women-led companies registered with LCCI.

He also praised the leadership of Punjab’s female Chief Minister, citing new developmental milestones and improvements in Lahore’s air quality, and reaffirmed LCCI’s commitment to promoting women’s participation and business opportunities.

Firdous Nisar highlighted the LCCI Women Entrepreneurs Lounge, which provides guidance and business support to women, and lauded women for achieving notable positions in society despite challenges.

Former Senior Vice President Ali Hassam Asghar said that Pakistan’s female workforce currently stands at just 6% and must be raised to at least 50%. He added that all CEOs in his companies are women, reflecting his strong support for women entrepreneurship.

Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said successful women serve as role models and that LCCI would continue to take practical steps to support women’s advancement.

Parliamentary Secretary Salma Sadia Taimur outlined government initiatives for women, including utility pitches, Women Ambassador Programs, daycare and women care centers, e-bikes, and accessible loans, emphasizing efforts to empower women economically and socially.

The ceremony concluded with Leadership Awards presented to women for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Awardees included Salma Sadia Taimur, Salma Shaheen, Sofia Voraich, Rafia Syed, Mrs. Mehmet Semsek, Dr. Shahina Asif, Dr. Bushra Usman, British High Commission First Secretary Clare Healy, Sundus Khalid, Seerat Hashim, Nadia Nabeel, Sonia Suri, Humera Nasir, Shaista Riaz, Toqeer Fatima, Zartashia Umar, Ambreen Askari, and Fariha Kamal.

The event concluded with a pledge to strengthen national development by promoting women’s economic participation and entrepreneurship.