The ‘male-dominated’ Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has been sidelining women entrepreneurs for running for the slot of office-bearers in the chamber elections in the past and yet again, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Aasia Saail Khan, a candidate for vice president slot for 2013/2014, who has the qualification and experience of 18 years at the LCCI, has been heading four LCCI committees, besides she has represented in TEVTA BOM Lahore and represented the country on many different forums internationally as well. This year, as a VP candidate she is facing a lot of “red tape” and politics just because of her gender, as her male counterparts maintain that a reserved seat member cannot contest for the slot. The precedence of a woman vice president is already there at the LCCI when Saeeda Nazar who came on the executive committee women’s reserved seat was made vice president last year.
“If women are barred to become part of economic decision making, it shall be very difficult to bring a positive change in the country’s economy. Female entrepreneurs should not just be considered for this post but should be supported whole heartedly to encourage women entrepreneurs to join the mainstream white economy,” She has the requisite qualification and her years’ contribution to the Lahore chamber.
As part of her business credentials, she is a single parent and has been a successful woman entrepreneur and taxpayer with her label designer collection since 1992. She has been a member of the LCCI since 1995 and has been heading various committees at the LCCI for the last 18 years. It is her second term on the executive committee of the LCCI. She is also a Pharmacist and Director Supply Chain at Schazoo Zaka (Pvt) LTD.
Her father, (late) Zakaur Rehman (founder of Schazoo Laboratories) was one of the founder members of the LCCI and was an integral part of its initial formation. He was an EC member in 1967. A pioneer of industrialisation especially in the metropolitan, he played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the pharmaceutical industry.
Since 1995, Aasia has made major contribution for women entrepreneur development. She has represented a positive image of LCCI and Pakistan at national and international forums. She is one of the most successful women entrepreneurs at the LCCI and has multiple careers. She has contributed in strengthening the Piaf/Founders vote bank in the women members by supporting, training and encouraging the women members.
She represents a family who has been serving the community for 25 years with Non Profit Haj and Umra services as the Zakaur Rehman Group. Under the banner of Almas Zakaur Rehman Foundation they are running a free primary school at Kalalwala, Jaranwala Road. They are also running two free dispensaries in Gulberg and Kalawala.
