It is indeed a matter of deep distress that instead of focusing on economic issues and problems facing members of the business community, officials of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the apex trade body are involved in bitter in-fighting to settle personal issues.
Sitting Vice-President, FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman in a letter sent to the acting Secretary General, FPCCI has snubbed him on casting aspersions on the working of the FPCCI's capital office Islamabad. "You are not authorised to write such letters to this office because being a Vice-President, FPCCI and incharge of FPPCI's Capital Office Islamabad, I am monitoring all matters relating to use and parking of FPCCI vehicles and other administrative matters," he said.
Rehman questioned: "Why does the FPCCI office Karachi remain open after 5.30 pm up to 11 pm? Nobody is allowed to use office premises for personal gains," he said. Regarding the acting Secretary General's advice to avoid corruption and that the expenses should be under control, he desired that his following observations should be replied to.
"How many staff members are working in the FPCCI head office, Karachi and what duties they are performing? Also, let me know how many staff members are working at the residences of the officers and how many office vehicles are under the personal use of the officers and who is bearing the petrol expenses? Vice-President, FPCCI also questioned as to who were the people who un-officially went abroad on FPCCI's expenses. He further warned that "if we are not taken into confidence, and not replied to properly, we will be compelled to hold meetings at the provincial level where the President of Chambers and Chairmen of Associations will be invited to place before them the deteriorating state of affairs in the apex trade body. Following this exercise, a meeting on an all Pakistan basis will be called in Islamabad to devise ways and means to control corruption and all efforts will be made to free FPCCI from the "Qabza Group." In the end Mirza Abdul Rehman advised the acting Secretary General that an advisory council be formed in which two members be taken from all the chambers to restore the dignity of apex trade body.