Khurram Ijaz, the Coordinator of the Businessmen Panel Progressive, has stated that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) election activities for the 2024-25 term are currently at their peak. He emphasized the principle of relinquishing power to engage in disagreements, highlighting that the willingness to sacrifice power is unprecedented in the history of FPCCI. “The alliance between the United Business Group (UBG) and BMP Progressive has garnered widespread praise, particularly as a positive development amid the current challenging economic conditions.”

Furthermore, he mentioned that the nominated candidates for the FPCCI elections from UBG and BMP Progressive Atif Ikram for President, Saqib Fayyaz Magoon for Senior Vice President, and Asif Inam, Zaki Ijaz, Asif Sakhi, Aman Paracha, Abdul Momin, and Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry for Vice Presidents have received strong support and assurances of votes from trade bodies across the country.

Khurram Ejaz believed that Karachi, the backbone of the country’s economy, contributes 65 percent of the revenue to the treasury. However, trade bodies have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that FPCCI has not played a significant role in addressing the problems faced by trade bodies, businessmen, and industrialists during difficult economic conditions.

Adeel Siddiqui, Coordinator of the Businessmen Panel Progressive, highlighted the challenges posed by the sudden increase in gas prices, leading to difficulties for industries. Traders face raids on their stocks, harassment from government departments, and conducting business under challenging conditions.

Siddiqui emphasized the need for responsibility, unity, and solidarity in the current serious economic situation. Despite the challenges, election activities are progressing successfully. In the upcoming FPCCI elections on December 30, 2023, all trade bodies have pledged to vote and fully support the candidates from UBG and BMP Progressive. There is confidence that the nominees will secure a substantial majority in the elections.