Mian Abuzar Shad, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has dismissed harassment allegations against Secretary General Shahid Khalil, claiming that Iqra Talib, the accuser, was terminated for misconduct. Shad alleged that Talib was a TikToker who blackmailed male colleagues and insisted Khalil had no connection to her accusations.

In an official statement, Shad said, “Iqra Talib was never a victim of harassment. She was dismissed after her unprofessional conduct came to light. Shahid Khalil is not involved in any of the allegations she has made.”

Iqra Talib’s Response

Iqra Talib has strongly refuted these claims, labelling them as an attempt to protect Shahid Khalil and discredit her character. Speaking exclusively to The Scoop, she said, “Almost every employee at the Chamber uses TikTok. My account is private, and any videos shared must have been leaked by a colleague. I’ve never made vulgar content, and these allegations are baseless.”

“Why Was I Not Dismissed Immediately?”

Talib questioned the timeline of her termination and raised concerns about inconsistencies in the Chamber’s process. She stated, “If these allegations were true, why wasn’t I dismissed immediately? I stopped going to the office on 7 October because Shahid Khalil pressured me to build ‘links’ with office bearers and even asked me to travel with him to Islamabad. Despite my absence, it took 15 days for the Chamber to issue a warning letter, followed by another letter, and then a termination notice after a month. This clearly shows their claims are fabricated.”

Accusations of Bias and Protecting Shahid Khalil

Talib accused Mian Abuzar Shad of attempting to shield Shahid Khalil. She said, “The President’s statements are completely false. They are trying to save Khalil by discrediting me. I never received any official letters at my address. My colleagues forwarded them to me via WhatsApp. This entire process was staged to dismiss me unfairly and protect Shahid Khalil.”

Talib Defends Her Professional Integrity

Talib defended her decade-long professional record, noting her service under three different Chamber presidents. “I have worked with three different presidents at the Chamber, and anyone in the organisation can vouch for my character. These accusations are an insult to my dignity and a blatant attempt to silence me for speaking out,” she added.

Unanswered Harassment Allegations

While Mian Abuzar Shad focused on discrediting Talib, her harassment allegations against Shahid Khalil remain unaddressed. Talib had accused Khalil of summoning her under false pretences, making inappropriate demands, and pressuring her to accompany him on trips. She further alleged that Khalil’s behaviour forced her to request unpaid leave until his retirement.

The Chamber leadership’s silence on these allegations raises serious questions about its commitment to workplace safety and transparency.

Iqra Talib’s Call for Justice

In her closing remarks, Talib urged the Chamber to conduct an impartial investigation. “I come from a respectable family and have always upheld my dignity. I am fighting for justice, not just for myself but for every woman who has been silenced in such situations. The truth will prevail.”

As the LCCI faces increasing public scrutiny, the need for an independent inquiry into these allegations is becoming more urgent. The Scoop will continue to follow this story closely.