Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has officially voiced its opposition to the government's proposed plan to advance trade body elections to 2025. Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, revealed that a comprehensive consultation with chambers, associations, and trade bodies throughout Pakistan led to this decision. The FPCCI argues that the mandate for the current office bearers, elected in September 2024, runs until September 2026, and advancing elections would unfairly cut short their tenure.

According to a statement by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, implementing the decision would reduce the two-year term of elected trade bodies to just one year, which Mr. Sheikh contends is against the voters' intent within the business, industry, and trade sectors. He emphasized that such a move compromises the stability and continuity necessary for governance and policy advocacy in trade organizations.

Mr. Sheikh highlighted that the recent elections adhered to the Trade Organizations Ordinance and were conducted transparently and legally. He argued that an additional election in 2025 would overlook the business community's mandate and disrupt trade bodies' operations at a time when economic and policy stability are crucial for Pakistan.

The FPCCI President further argued that early elections are unnecessary and could hinder trade organizations by creating uncertainty and diverting focus from essential economic and business development initiatives.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of FPCCI, also urged the government to reconsider its proposal. He called for allowing elected representatives to serve their full terms under the current legal framework. He stressed that any changes to the Trade Organizations Ordinance should involve stakeholder consultation to maintain stable and efficient trade body operations.