Premier Cables hosted a dinner in Karachi to honor Businessmen Group (BMG) leaders and candidates during the ongoing Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) elections. The gathering, organized by Shoaib Ismail, Shahid Ismail, Asif Ismail, Hafiz Junaid Ismail and Muzammil Shoaib, brought together prominent figures from the city’s business community, including Arif Habib, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Zubair Motiwala, KCCI President Rehan Hanif, Abdul Rahim Janoo, and several other leading entrepreneurs.
Arif Habib praised BMG’s leadership, noting that its representation at the Chamber has always been research-based and effective. He highlighted Pakistan’s stagnant export growth despite massive currency depreciation since 1990, urging the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to play a stronger role in addressing the issue. Aqeel Karim Dhedhi lauded KCCI’s performance under BMG, pledged his vote for the group, and suggested that Zubair Motiwala should enter national politics to bring his leadership to parliament.
BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala recalled the vision of the late S.M. Muneer, emphasizing that the Chamber must serve every trader without discrimination. He reaffirmed BMG’s commitment to equal representation of Memon, Urdu-speaking, Chinioti and Punjabi communities. Shoaib Ismail echoed these sentiments, noting that BMG’s record of not losing a single seat in 27 years reflected its exceptional service to the business community.
KCCI President Rehan Hanif criticized the rival group contesting the elections, alleging that its participation aimed to weaken the institution. He questioned its ability to serve thousands of members given its limited candidate pool. Javed Bilwani underscored Karachi’s economic importance, pointing out that the city contributes 54 percent of exports and 67 percent of revenue collection, making it the rightful hub for institutional headquarters.
Other speakers reinforced BMG’s legacy and future vision. Tariq Yousuf announced plans to celebrate the group’s golden jubilee, while Mian Abrar pledged to present constructive proposals to the government for boosting exports. Anjum Nisar lamented Karachi’s deteriorating condition but stressed the Chamber’s role in the national economy. Abdul Rahim Janoo declared the rice-exporting community’s full support, expressing confidence in BMG’s victory.