KARACHI(10th July 2023)The Director General Trade Organization (DGTO) has issued a significant circular, No 08(01)/Admin-23 dated 7th July 2023, to all registered trade bodies of Pakistan, with a copy also endorsed to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The circular directs the trade bodies to conduct their elections for the year 2023-24 in compliance with the Trade Organization Act (TOA) of 2013 and clause 13 – 19 of Trade Organization Rules (TOR) of 2013, ensuring a copy of the election circular is sent to the DGTO office.
Furthermore, the FPCCI has been specifically directed by the DGTO to ensure the dissemination of this information to all its registered trade bodies. The circular explicitly clarifies that the tenure of the current office bearers of the trade bodies is limited to one year, ending in October 2023. This directive aims to remove any ambiguity among the trade bodies regarding their tenure.
Importantly, the directives from the DGTO indicate that the present management of the FPCCI, including the entire office bearers, members of the executive committee, and the general body, is considered illegal, illegitimate, and unlawful. This conclusion has been reached due to their extension of tenure without official notification and directives from the Ministry of Commerce.
Given the illegal status of the current management of the FPCCI, the so-called sitting office bearers hold no authority to make decisions regarding the organization, particularly regarding the upcoming elections. In light of this situation, the business community demands immediate action from the Secretary of Commerce. They call for the removal of the illegal management of FPCCI and the appointment of an administrator in accordance with Clause 16 (1)(2 C) of the Trade Organization Act to effectively manage the affairs of the organization. Furthermore, the community urges the Election of FPCCI to be held under the supervision of a team consisting of senior officers from the Ministry of Commerce or an administrator as per Clause 17(b) of the Trade Organization Act.
The DGTO’s directives signify a commitment to upholding transparency, fairness, and adherence to the law in trade organization elections. The business community expects prompt action from the relevant authorities to address the current situation and ensure a legitimate and transparent electoral process.
