‘UBG violates’ its pact: BMP says will contest FPCCI polls

KARACHI: The Businessmen Panel (BMP) has announced that it will contest the upcoming election of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), alleging that the United Business Group (UBG) has violated its agreement with the panel.

The announcement was made by BMP Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, alongside BMP Secretary General Haji Ghulam Ali and Patron-in-Chief Sultan Chawla.Rafique Suleman, Abdul Rahim JanoZakaria Usman, Haji Ghani Usman, Hanif Lakhani, Aun Ali Syed and other leaders were also present.

The BMP leaders also emphasised the need to uphold democratic traditions, ensure transparency and maintain fairness throughout the upcoming FPCCI elections.

Mian Anjum Nisar said the representation of Sindh’s business community in the FPCCI could not be ignored, adding that, under the agreement, the next FPCCI president should be from Sindh.

The BMP leaders alleged that Sindh faces discriminatory treatment whenever the question of the province’s representation arises. They said the strength of the FPCCI lies in balanced provincial representation and equal participation of the business community from all provinces. Therefore, they stressed, the rights and representation agreed upon under the written agreement must be ensured.

They also demanded that the FPCCI be freed from personal interests and that business community issues be resolved through consultation and fair procedures.

They said the country is already facing an economic crisis, inflation and a heavy tax burden. Therefore, instead of turning the FPCCI into an arena for political confrontation, the focus should remain on resolving the problems faced by the business community.

The BMP leaders expressed support for Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir’s economic vision and declared that their panel would not retreat even an inch from its position on protecting the rights of the business community, ensuring fair representation for Sindh and upholding principles.

Replying a question regarding the presidential candidate of BMP, they said that BMPhas yet to find a presidential candidate in FPCCI election against the ruling United Business Group (UBG) candidate SM Tanveer.

“We will never tolerate violation of the rights of Sindh and the written agreement between UBG and BMP, nor will there be any compromise on the rights of Sindh and democratic traditions and transparency should be maintained in the FPCCI”, they added.

BMP leaders accused that when it comes to Sindh’s turn, Sindh is discriminated against and it is Sindh’s turn that the UBG has nominated SM Tanveer of Punjab as the presidential candidate.

The BMP leaders made a final announcement that the businessmen panel will not back down even an inch in the battle of principles and we will definitely participate in the FPCCI elections.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026