Representatives of five chambers of Commerce and Industry of Balochistan have urged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim to direct the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to allow them to nominate candidate of their choice for the presidential slot of the apex body for the upcoming elections.
Addressing a joint press conference here President Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Maqsood Ismail, President Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Mir Navaid, President Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Jamal Uddin, and President Makran Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Haji Rasool pointed out that as per rules and regulations provincial trade bodies have the right to nominate their candidates for the top slot of FPCCI on rotation basis and this year it was Balocistan's turn to nominate candidates for the top slots.
They said that the five chambers of Balochistan had short-listed two names; Maqsood Ismail and Senator Haji Laskri Raisani, for the presidential slot of FPCCI. However, decision as to whom would be the final candidate would be made later with consensus.
They alleged that a mafia in trade bodies had nominated Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani as a candidate for the president from an association, All Pakistan Contractors Association, which is based in Lahore and even did not have its office in Balochistan.
They admitted that Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani is a member of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but claimed that the chamber had not nominated him as its candidate for the presidential slot.
They said that it was Balocistan's turn and the business community of the province had the right to nominate a candidate of their choice for the top slot of FPCCI in the coming elections.
They said that they had filed objections over the nomination of Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani, which were rejected by the election committee of FPCCI without giving any reason.
To a question, Jamal Uddin said that they would approach Trade Organisation as well as seek legal remedy from courts.
To another question, he said that Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry was with them and supported their stance on the issue.