Abad pinpoints 'fake associations' in FPCCI

Out of 63 member associations of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), a sizeable number of these associations are fake, which have been made the FPCCI members by the ruling group just to control the affairs of the apex trade body in achieving their personal gains. The Association of Builders and Developers (Abad), in a letter on December 22, informed the Director, Trade Organisations (DTO), Ministry of Commerce.
Abad Chairman Babar Mirza Chughtai, in the letter, said that being a member of the FPCCI, "we are compelled to bring to your notice" that all records of manipulation and the alleged criminal interference in the current elections were broken and the role of the FPCCI Secretary General was one of partiality in that process.
He mentioned the following associations as fake:
-Pakistan Agricultural Machinery and Implement Manufacturers Association, Pakistan Mine Owners Association, Livestock and Farms Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Metal Containers Manufacturers Association, Pakistan Waste Products Association, All Pakistani Bidi Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Particleboards Manufacturers Association, etc.
The Abad chief said the existence of those associations was only on paper and in reality they did not exist.
About 20 to 25 associations fell in that category and their so-called office-bearers had made those associations a selling commodity, he added.
Babar Mirza recalled that former DTO Bangash had conducted a detailed survey of the fake associations in FPCCI and had issued notices to all such associations on the basis of his findings, adding all records pertaining to that inquiry should be in the MoC.
He said the "mafia" had become so powerful that they manipulated the transfer of Bangash to hush up the entire inquiry.
He also demanded of the DTO to appoint an auditor of repute (A.F.Ferguson & Co) to scrutinise the complete records of all such associations and make its finding public.
Keeping in view these facts, the demand to appoint an administrator became even more prudent so that an end was put to the evil designs of the "professional office-bearers," who have hijacked the FPCCI and are using it for their ulterior motives."
The Abad chairman said if immediate action was not taken, transparent and fair elections would never be held now or in future, and consequently the fake associations would again control of the FPCCI affairs to the detriment of the business community.
He requested for immediate intervention in the matter and issuance of orders for the appointment of an administrator to supervise the activities of the FPCCI, which would be a great service to the business community.