Women Chambers of Commerce: BMG, BMP demand 50pc cut in fee

KARACHI: S. M. Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of United Business Group (UBG) and former Provincial Minister, along with Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Chairman of BMP-Progressive and Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), have jointly urged the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) and the Ministry of Commerce to grant a 50% reduction in the prescribed fee for amendment in Memorandum and Articles of Association for Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Referring to Notification S.R.O. 2077(I)/2025 concerning amendments in Schedule “E” of the Trade Organizations Rules, 2013, they noted that the amendment fee has been fixed at PKR 100,000 for all trade bodies. They emphasized that trade organizations are not initiating these changes voluntarily but are revising their constitutional documents strictly in compliance with directives issued by the DGTO.

Both leaders highlighted that Women Chambers generally operate with limited financial resources and modest revenue streams, primarily dependent upon membership subscriptions. Despite financial constraints, these chambers play a pivotal role in promoting women entrepreneurship, building institutional capacity, and strengthening women-led enterprises at grassroots and national levels.

S. M. Tanveer stated that facilitating Women Chambers at this critical juncture would reinforce the government’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth. He stressed that regulatory compliance should not become an additional financial burden for institutions working to uplift women entrepreneurs.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon underscored that a special concession of 50% in the prescribed fee would significantly ease the financial pressure on Women Chambers and enables them to continue their vital role in enhancing women’s economic participation. He reiterated that supportive measures are essential to strengthen institutional development and sustainability of Women Chambers across the country.

The leaders expressed hope that the DGTO and the Ministry of Commerce will give favourable consideration to this request in the larger interest of women empowerment and economic inclusivity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026