Karachi, September 12, 2023 (PPI-OT): Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that an emergent meeting of its high-powered executive committee has vehemently criticized, unanimously rejected and registered its strong protest in response to a smear, mala-fide and contemptuous; but, failed campaign to undermine and discredit FPCCI’s elections held 21 months ago in December 2021; and, shamelessly attacking its duly elected and lawful President to dislodge him prematurely.

Mr. Muhammad Suleman Chawla, SVP FPCCI, highlighted that there has to be a difference between political parties and groups of the business, industry and trade community of Pakistan - as the business community must remain apolitical and remain focused specifically on economic, industry, exports, commercial, job creation, CSR and revenue generation activities in the broader national interest, he added.

Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh informed that the aforementioned emergent meeting of FPCCI’s executive committee passed a resolution unanimously; categorically stating:

(i) all significant decisions pertaining to FPCCI have always been taken with the due consent of the executive committee during the entire ongoing tenure without an exception.

(ii) executive committee rejects and reprimands the most unfortunate call to arrest its president; who represents the collective leadership of all 250 chambers, associations and trade bodies of Pakistan - both domestically and internationally.

(iii) Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh is the legitimate, valid and duly elected president of FPCCI as the result of a transparent, free and fair elections of the apex body.

(iv) executive committee reposes its full trust and confidence in the able, honest and committed leadership of Mr. Irfan Iqbal as their elected president.

Mian Anjum Nisar, former President FPCCI, expressed his shock and awe at the unethical, bona-fide and disgraceful campaign against the dignity and honor of the apex body; and, an institution of national and international significance. This has never happened before; should not happen again and a wrong precedent should not be set for the sake of our generations to come; hence, the rival group is requested to withdraw its allegations and support the institution - irrespective of personalities.

For more information, contact:

Head Office,

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)

Federation House, Main Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-35873691-94

Fax: +92-21-35874332

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://fpcci.org.pk/