Business Community Strongly Condemns DGTO for Mala-fide Meddling into FPCCI Affairs: Irfan Iqbal Sheikh

Karachi (PR): Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI, SVP and Vice Presidents of FPCCI have apprised that the entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan strongly condemns the role of Director General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) for his mala-fide, illegitimate and destructive meddling into FPCCI affairs and its elections’ process.

Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh added that the Executive Committee (EC) of FPCCI has appointed the Election Commission for the upcoming elections of FPCCI for the tenure 2024 – 25; held on 13thOctober 2023 with a thumping majority of 75 as against 25. Therefore, the election commission is legal and valid under Trade Organization rules.

President FPCCI added that, on the other hand, the objections, interference and unwarranted questioning on the formation of the FPCCI election commission by the DGTO is against TORs and, moreover, rules of FPCCI; and is against the role of regulator under the law.

Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh explained that, being the apex body, FPCCI plays a pivotal role in the business, industry, services, trade and economic affairs of the country – and, creating hurdles in its smooth operations & elections will result in conflictsand disorder in the smooth functioning of the national economy.

Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has categorically informed that the election process is underway as per rules and timeline; and, should not be hampered or delayed at any cost and DGTO’s actions are extremely hazardous for the legitimate process of elections at FPCCI.

FPCCI Chief has demanded that the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan should take serious note of the brewing frustration and disenchantment within the business community of Pakistan – and, stop the office of DGTO from any further interference into the affairs of FPCCI and its elections with immediate effect by ensuring holding of free, fair and transparent elections of trade organizations in the interest of trade, industry and services without mala-fide intervention of the office of DGTO.