LAHORE: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has strongly criticized and condemned the baseless allegations and unjustified letter of the Director General of Trade Organization (DGTO) in the affairs of the FPCCI.

Further, the questioning of the legality of the Pakistan’s apex trade body’s previous elections and the discharge of its duties has been termed as malicious, intrusive and insulting.

Addressing a press conference here at PIAF office on Thursday, the FPCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, accompanied by the Businessmen Panel Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar, observed that he is surprised at the manner in which the credibility of the FPCCI’s elections, held in Dec 2021, is being questioned while the Sindh High Court had also dismissed the suit filed by the rival group and upheld the whole election process.

The FPCCI President highlighted the fact that after extensive arguments, considering all the facts and the reports filed by the DGTO office the Sindh High Court in its order, dated March 18, 2022, upheld the legality, fairness, conduct and sanctity of the elections.

Irfan Iqbal pointed out that the opposing candidates in the FPCCI elections did not even challenge the writ order.

Addressing the press conference, the FPCCI’s ruling group of Businessmen Panel (BMP) Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar said that FPCCI has been working diligently to streamline the affairs and operations of the institution and making it as per international standards. He said that the Executive Committee appreciates the performance of the President FPCCI while all matters of the FPCCI are being decided only after the approval of the Executive Committee.

The BMP Chairman said that the FPCCI provides comprehensive research reports and recommendations on various sectors and industries for the benefit of the business community and the national economy and also supports the government through its policy advocacy efforts and active involvement in various advisory processes.

President Irfan Iqbal pointed out the fact that currently no complaint has been filed with the regulator regarding the affairs of the FPCCI, which shows their integrity, transparency, fairness, competence and diligent performance of their duties. He further said that DGTO’s letter dated August 29, 2023 is vague, illogical, denotes immorality and malice; because it mentions that some cases were reported to the regulator and does not even bother to mention whether a formal written complaint has been received or not? Hence, it is clear that the regulator is acting under will, desires and prejudices. Moreover, the claim that the FPCCI’s elections were controversial is completely false and preposterous.

Anjum Nisar demanded that the DGTO should withdraw his letter unconditionally and maintain his neutrality as regulator, instead of trying to spread misinformation and discontent among Pakistan’s business community. He further said that FPCCI is the apex body and institution of national importance and no one should be allowed to undermine this institution.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023