By Dr Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Syeda Alia Rizvi, president of the Women Wing of the Pioneer Businessmen Group (Ali Hussam Group), has joined the PIAF-Anjum Nisar Group along with a number of her associates ahead of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elections.

The development comes amid a competitive campaign for the LCCI 2026-28 term, following the end of the previous electoral understanding between the PIAF and Pioneer Businessmen Group. The two groups are now contesting the elections separately and seeking support from traders, industrialists and business associations across Lahore.

Rizvi announced her decision at the PIAF election office in the presence of representatives of the print and electronic media. She met PIAF Patron-in-Chief Mian Anjum Nisar, former PIAF chairman Mian Muhammad Ali, former FPCCI vice president Riffat Malik, PIAF and LCCI Executive Committee member Amina Randhawa, Firdous Nisar and other senior leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Rizvi said she and her colleagues had developed confidence in the leadership of PIAF and Mian Anjum Nisar, citing what she described as their policies and services for the business community.

She announced her unconditional support for PIAF and said she would support the group in the forthcoming LCCI elections.

Rizvi also criticised what she described as “hollow slogans” and personal criticism associated with the Pioneer Businessmen Group. She said the business community needed practical policies, effective representation and a focus on resolving the issues confronting traders and industrialists.

The development comes as business groups and associations continue to announce their positions ahead of the LCCI elections.

PIAF has organised its electoral campaign under the PIAF Progressive BNF Alliance (PPBA), comprising PIAF, the Progressive Group and the Business National Front. The alliance is led by Mian Anjum Nisar and is contesting the 2026-28 LCCI elections as a joint platform.

The PIAF camp has also received support from several business organisations during the campaign. The DHA Estate Agents Association announced its support for PIAF in July, while the Association of Foreign Education Industry Consultants and allied groups announced their support in August.

Meanwhile, the Pioneer Businessmen Group, led by Ali Hussam Asghar, has joined hands with the Founders Group, Lahore Businessmen Front and Nasir Hameed Khan Group to contest the elections under a separate alliance.

Firdous Nisar, Executive Committee member of PIAF and LCCI, coordinated the event.

The delegation accompanying Syeda Alia Rizvi included Syed Zawar Hussain Shah, Ayesha Raza Khan, Adeeba Sheikh, Maria Mumtaz, Azra Ishaq, Shamaila Zafar, Sameer, Semi Gul and other members.

The LCCI elections are scheduled for September 23 and 24, 2026, with polling divided between the Corporate and Associate classes. Rizvi’s decision to join the PIAF camp comes shortly before polling, adding another development to the ongoing electoral campaign.