Traders decide to jointly fight for legitimate rights

ISLAMABAD: The business community of the federal capital has decided to jointly fight for the legitimate rights through collective efforts and effective engagement with the relevant authorities.

This was stated by President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, here on Thursday after he met with business community leaders representing various sectors of Islamabad, led by President of the All-Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran, Mohammad Ajmal Baloch.

During the meeting, the ICCI president said that unity among traders and industrialists was essential for effective representation and the resolution of common business challenges. He highlighted the difficulties caused by electricity shortages, high power bills and disruptions to production. He said these experiences had reinforced his conviction that chambers and trade associations must provide a strong, united platform to safeguard the interests of the entire business community, from small shopkeepers to large industrialists.

Expressing serious concern over the sealing of commercial outlets, the ICCI President said he had promptly contacted the relevant authorities and trade representatives after learning about the action against shops in Islamabad. He stressed that market associations must coordinate their efforts and adopt a unified strategy rather than approach the authorities separately.

While acknowledging the importance of enforcing the law, he emphasized that traders’ dignity must be respected and that administrative disputes should be resolved through dialogue, consultation and lawful procedures instead of humiliating treatment.

Mohammad Ajmal Baloch, expressed surprise and concern over what he described as the repeated initiation of new experiments in Islamabad rather than across the country. He said the measures had seriously disrupted the business community and adversely affected traders’ commercial activities.

He emphasized that the business community, in consultation with the ICCI leadership, would collectively decide its future course of action to protect traders’ rights and interests.

Senior Vice President ICCI, Mohammad Ashfaq Chatha assured the participants that the Chamber was committed to fulfilling its advocacy role and promoting ease of doing business. He said ICCI would take all necessary steps, in consultation with trade bodies and relevant stakeholders, to raise traders’ concerns with the authorities and pursue practical solutions to the !!(challenges facing the business community.

ICCI Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan appreciated his longstanding efforts to bring the business community together and represent its concerns before the relevant authorities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026