Islamabad : Samina Fazil, founder President of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), on Friday opposed the proposal to hold trade body elections in 2025.
She added that this decision will not only have a significant financial impact on women’s chambers but also disrupt their programs and deprive office bearers and executive committee members of their rightful terms.
In a statement issued here today, Samina Fazil said that the recent elections, conducted in September 2024 for the two-year term 2025-26, were transparent and followed established legal procedures without any litigation.
She added that holding fresh elections within a short span undermines stability and continuity, disrupting effective governance within trade organizations that operate on limited financial resources.
Reelection in 2025 will affect trade bodies’ two-year programs, diverting focus from economic and business development initiatives. It will also impact foreign partnerships, creating uncertainty and jeopardizing business relationships.
Moreover, frequent elections will increase costs, burdening trade bodies and their members, ultimately affecting the overall business environment and hindering economic growth and development.
Samina Fazil urges the government to reconsider and allow elected representatives to complete their term, contributing to economic activities. Amendments to the Trade Organizations Ordinance should be made in consultation with stakeholders.
She calls upon the government to dialogue with the FPCCI, trade bodies, and the business community before implementing decisions that impact trade organizations’ functioning.
Samina Fazil also requests the Ministry of Commerce to prioritize stability, continuity, and economic growth, ensuring that trade bodies can effectively serve the business community.
