Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of Pakistan’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (), expressed deep concern over a proposed amendment to the Trade Organization Rules. The legislation was seen as having sent shockwaves throughout the business community across the nation.
In a statement released by the , Mr. Ikram highlighted the existing vulnerabilities in the business environment. Internal trade barriers and external pressures had already made conditions challenging for merchants. Chambers of Commerce were pivotal in protecting businesses from these adversities. However, he warned that the proposed amendment to the Trade Organization Rules 2013 would dismantle district-level chambers, severing essential institutional structures and irreparably harming local economies.
Brig Iftikhar Opel, as Secretary General of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, joined forces with Atif Ikram Sheikh in voicing these critical concerns. Together, they emphasized the urgent need to protect the vital role that chambers play in safeguarding and advocating for businesses at a district level. The preservation of these structures is not just an economic necessity but also a strategic imperative to strengthen Pakistan’s commercial landscape.