Businessmen Panel Faces Deep Rift; BMP Progressive Enters in FPCCI Elections

KARACHI: The ruling Businessmen’s panel in the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) is experiencing a significant internal divide even before the elections. The split into two factions has dealt a major blow to the BMP (Businessmen Panel).

In recent months, the Businessmen Panel has witnessed significant internal discord, particularly among Sindh leaders. A faction within the panel is actively seeking to remove BMP Chairman Anjum Nisar from his position. Exploiting Anjum Nisar’s personal engagements, this group has made arbitrary decisions without Core Committee approval, bypassing the established process.

Efforts by BMP Secretary General Haji Ghulam Ali to reconcile the differences within the group have proven unsuccessful. The factionalism within BMP has raised deep concerns among Anjum Nisar’s supporters, fearing adverse effects on group due to the internal conflicts.

“The leading members of BMP have announced the formation of a new group, the ‘Businessmen Progressive Panel,’ demonstrating their commitment to actively participate in the FPCCI elections, setting aside internal differences. The majority of members are reported to share like-minded views. Notable BMP leaders involved in organizing the group include Khurram Ejaz, Shabbir Mansha Churra, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Adeel Siddiqui, and Haji Yasir.”

The Businessmen Progressive Panel was officially announced during the last members’ meeting. Members unanimously agreed to entrust leadership to the youth, emphasizing the need for young leadership instead of retirees within the panel.

The meeting was attended by 36 voters for the upcoming FPCCI elections, along with a significant number of supporters. They vowed that under no circumstances would they allow Tariq Saeed’s panel to be hijacked. They expressed their commitment to liberating BMP from individuals with capitalist and dictatorial mindsets, even if it requires their utmost efforts.

The meeting unanimously appointed former FPCCI Vice President Khurram Ijaz and Adeel Siddiqui as coordinators, empowering them to nominate additional candidates for FPCCI elections after consulting with other group members. They are authorized to announce the names and make comprehensive preparations for active participation in the FPCCI election.