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Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (), has called for a 50% reduction in the fee required to amend Memorandum and Articles of Association for Women Chambers at Islamabad. Mr. Sheikh highlighted that women-owned businesses constitute approximately 52% of Pakistan’s total population but are facing significant financial constraints.
In a recent notification, the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) announced an increased fee of PKR 100,000 for all trade bodies to cover documentary amendments. However, Mr. Sheikh stressed that this increase disproportionately affects Women Chambers due to their limited financial resources and modest revenue streams dependent on membership subscriptions.
These chambers play a crucial role in promoting women entrepreneurship by facilitating capacity-building and supporting grassroots and national-level businesses. Despite these challenges, they are compelled to revise their constitutional documents to comply with regulatory instructions issued by the DGTO.
Responding to this directive, has received numerous representations from various Women Chambers across Pakistan seeking financial relief through a 50% reduction in fees.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh further emphasized that such a concession is essential for supporting these vital trade bodies under Schedule ‘E’ of the Trade Organization Rules (TOR) 2013. He explained, “These chambers operate with limited resources and revenue primarily from membership subscriptions; yet, they are indispensable in fostering women entrepreneurship and enhancing broader economic participation.”
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP , echoed these sentiments, stating that granting this concession will significantly aid Women Chambers in complying with regulatory requirements while allowing them to continue their pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth.
SVP Fayyaz added, “This supportive measure not only strengthens the institutional development of Women Chambers but also aligns with the government’s vision for gender empowerment and inclusive economic progress.”
Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd., Secretary General, supports this initiative as well.