Karachi, At a recent gathering in Karachi, Senator Ilyas Ahmed Balor, a senior leader of the United Business Group (UBG) and former President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), emphasized the crucial role of UBG's leadership in addressing the current challenges faced by FPCCI. The statement was made during a lunch event honoring Punjab ministers.

According to United Business Group, Senator Balor voiced his concerns about the FPCCI's deteriorating situation during the event, which was also a platform to discuss the upcoming FPCCI elections for the year 2024-2025. He endorsed Atif Ikram Sheikh, UBG's nominee for the presidency of FPCCI, as the strongest candidate for the role. The lunch was held in honor of Punjab’s Minister of Agriculture SM Tanveer and Minister of Awqaf, Zakat, and Religious Affairs Barrister Syed Afsar Ali Nasir.

The event witnessed the presence of numerous influential figures, including former Senior Vice President of FPCCI Hanif Gohar, President of Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry Fawad Ishaq, Chairman of UBG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ghazanfar Bilor, and Secretary-General Haji Muhammad Afzal. Other prominent attendees included former President of Border Chamber Senator Mohsin Aziz and UBG Secretary-General Zafar Bakhtawari, among others.

Senator Balor reflected on the legacy of the UBG in maintaining FPCCI’s prestige at a global level, stating that the group had successfully prevented financial crises within the federation in the past. However, he expressed concern over recent reports suggesting that FPCCI is currently facing a financial crisis under the existing ruling group.

The event also paid tribute to the late SM Munir, a leader of the United Business Group, with prayers offered for his forgiveness. The gathering served as a platform to reiterate the importance of strong and effective leadership within FPCCI to navigate through its current challenges and maintain its standing in the global business community.