FPCCI elections: BMP, BMG may field joint candidate against S M Tanveer

KARACHI: Business tensions are mounting ahead of the FPCCI elections, as the Businessmen Panel (BMP) and Businessmen Group (BMG) are reportedly exploring a possible alliance to field a joint presidential candidate against S M Tanveer, the strongest candidate backed by the BMG.

Former Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Zubair Motiwala is being considered as the preferred candidate, with an announcement expected at a press conference at the Karachi Chamber on Thursday.

According to details, a meeting between KCCI representatives and Businessmen Panel (BMP) leaders was held at the PHMA House on Wednesday.

During the meeting, BMP leaders, including Anjum Nisar, Senator Ghulam Ali and others, urged Zubair Motiwala to contest the FPCCI presidential election.

Meanwhile, the names of Javed Bilwani and Asim Ghani Usman are also being considered as alternative candidates.

For the 2027–28 FPCCI presidential elections, United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief S M Tanveer is considered the strongest candidate. His opponents may also seek to use the Memon community’s representation as a political factor in the contest.

It may be recalled that the FPCCI Secretary General declared the voting rights of four voters, including Karachi Chamber’s two voters, Zubair Motiwala and Rehan Hanif, as disputed and rejected their nomination papers. However, they have been given an opportunity to file appeals against the decision.

In response, the Karachi Chamber has decided to challenge the decision and announce the name of its presidential candidate at a press conference scheduled for Thursday.

The press conference could prove significant in determining the future political alignments and strategy ahead of the FPCCI elections.

It is worth mentioning that the opposition group, BMP, has so far failed to nominate a candidate against S M Tanveer.

The Karachi Chamber’s press conference may provide the group with an opportunity to remain actively engaged in the electoral contest.

If Zubair Motiwala enters the race as the presidential candidate, his chances of victory may appear challenging, as a majority of voters are reportedly inclined towards S M Tanveer.

However, Motiwala’s participation could make the contest more competitive and interesting. On the other hand, if another candidate is nominated, the opposition’s challenge against S M Tanveer is expected to remain relatively weak.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026