FPCCI Presidency Majyd Aziz Says Sindh Members’ Rights Must Be Respected
In an opinion article, Majyd Aziz argues that the upcoming FPCCI presidential election should respect provincial rotation, calls for fair treatment of Karachi Chamber nominees and urges the nominated candidate to withdraw in favour of a Sindh-based representative.
FPCCI Election: Majyd Aziz calls for provincial representation and fair elections.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) must respect provincial representation and uphold the principle of fair play in its presidential elections, writes Majyd Aziz.
According to the author, the spirit of Pakistan’s Constitution recognises the provinces’ respective constitutional powers and does not permit one province to interfere in another’s domain. He also points to FPCCI’s rules on provincial rotation for the office of president.
Aziz argues that the upcoming election for the next FPCCI term should therefore go to a candidate from Sindh. He objects to attempts by candidates associated with other provinces to contest during Sindh’s turn through secondary corporate registrations or multiple Chamber memberships.
Dispute Over Provincial Representation
The author says the election has already triggered a provincial dispute after the ruling United Business Group (UBG) reportedly nominated a candidate based in Lahore, with business interests in Punjab and experience as a caretaker minister in the province.
According to Aziz, the candidate has no permanent residence in Karachi or elsewhere in Sindh. He says the nomination has prompted strong opposition among Sindh’s business community, whose members believe the province is once again being denied its rightful representation.
Aziz also links the dispute to wider concerns about Karachi’s treatment. He describes the city as Pakistan’s largest economic centre and a major contributor to the national exchequer, yet says it continues to face discrimination.
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He adds that the controversy has generated concern in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as among sections of Punjab’s business community. In his view, the dispute threatens unity within the country’s business sector.
Rejection of Karachi Chamber Nomination Papers
Aziz further criticises the rejection of nomination papers submitted by all four nominees of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
He describes the Returning Officer’s decision as unjustified and alleges that the officer acted under pressure from the ruling group. The rejection reportedly cited KCCI as a bogus entity, a description Aziz strongly disputes.
He points out that KCCI is one of Pakistan’s oldest and largest chambers and predates FPCCI’s establishment. He also notes that former KCCI presidents have previously served as FPCCI presidents.
Aziz says the decision has raised serious questions about the impartiality of the election process. He also questions the conduct of the FPCCI Secretary General, whose position, he argues, requires independence and neutrality.
He warns that if the Election Commission endorses the Returning Officer’s decision, its members could also face questions about their impartiality. The matter, he expects, could ultimately reach the Director General of Trade Organisations (DGTO).
Pakistan Businessmen Alliance Emerges
The controversy has prompted business groups to consider legal action against the rejection of the KCCI nominees’ papers.
Aziz says the affected stakeholders intend to pursue available legal remedies to challenge what they consider an unlawful and unjustified decision. He believes the dispute has damaged FPCCI’s reputation as the country’s apex trade body.
The developments have also led to the formation of the Pakistan Businessmen Alliance (PBA). Under this arrangement, candidates from the Businessmen Group (BMG) and the Mian Anjum Nisar-led Businessmen Panel (BMP) will jointly contest the elections.
Aziz warns that the dispute could undermine FPCCI’s standing among domestic business organisations and its counterparts internationally.
A Call for Withdrawal in the Interest of Unity
Despite his objections to the nomination, Aziz acknowledges the candidate’s business credentials and personal qualities.
He describes the nominee as an accomplished entrepreneur, a courageous leader and a humble individual. The candidate is the son of the late S.M. Muneer, widely respected as Bhai Jan, and the son-in-law of the late Ejaz Shaffi, whom Aziz remembers as an outspoken and principled business leader.
Aziz says the candidate deserves to lead FPCCI, but argues that the timing is inappropriate. He believes the candidate should seek the presidency when it is the turn of the province where he resides and conducts his business.
He therefore appeals to the candidate to withdraw from the current contest. He also urges UBG to nominate a suitable Sindh-based business leader from within its ranks.
According to Aziz, such a decision would demonstrate that personal ambition and positions must remain secondary to institutional credibility, democratic principles and the collective interests of the business community.
He concludes by invoking the message of the Holy Quran:
“There has to be a group of people from among you who call towards the good, and bid the fair, and forbid the unfair. And it is these who are successful.”
— Al-Quran 3:104
