Businessmen Panel (BMP) leaders strongly condemned the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for its lackluster performance under the current leadership, accusing it of neglecting the needs of the business community and failing to continue critical initiatives. Mian Anjum Nisar, Chairman of BMP and former President of FPCCI, expressed disappointment over the FPCCI’s inability to progress key projects.
He highlighted that several initiatives, including the Policy Advisory Board and a proposed state-of-the-art building with a convention and export display center in Sindh, had been stalled under the current leadership. Nisar emphasized that such failures were indicative of the current administration’s focus on self-interests rather than the needs of the business community. “Since last year, the ruling FPCCI party has been serving its own agenda,” Nisar said.
He also mentioned the opposition’s unsuccessful efforts to challenge his leadership in the Lahore Chamber elections, which he won with overwhelming support due to his strong track record. Sheikh Sultan Rehman, Secretary-General of BMP Sindh, reiterated the panel’s commitment to serving the business community and introduced BMP’s goals and office bearers. Former Governor Senator Ghulam Ali criticized the interference of the Ministry of Commerce, which he claimed facilitated the UBG’s control of FPCCI by manipulating the electoral process. He described these actions as unethical and deeply damaging to the credibility of FPCCI. Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggon, Senior Vice Chairman of BMP and former FPCCI President, spoke on the decline of FPCCI under the current leadership.
He noted that the business forums reactivated during BMP’s tenure were now dormant, and no efforts were being made to address the business community’s concerns. Maggo described FPCCI’s leadership as incompetent and accused them of corruption, particularly in customs and FBR matters.
Former FPCCI President Zakaria Usman lamented the decline in the representation of trade bodies, noting that BMP’s tenure had seen significant improvements for the business community, including the formulation of impactful budget proposals. However, he said FPCCI’s current leadership had led to a complete loss of credibility.
The meeting concluded with a pledge from BMP leaders to continue their efforts to reform FPCCI and restore its function as an effective advocate for the business community. Numerous prominent business figures, including Amjad Rafi, Raheem Janoo, and Haji Ghani Usman, also expressed their support for the BMP’s stance and called for urgent leadership changes to address the challenges facing Pakistan’s business sector.
