Majyd Aziz
According to the spirit of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, “provinces are legally equal, sovereign within their constitutional domains, and cannot interfere with or usurp the rights of one another”. Articles 141 and 142 stipulate that Provinces are “sovereign within their constitutional domains”and“cannot interfere”. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)rules also prescribe Provincial rotation for the position of President. However, a frequent flashpoint in FPCCI elections occurs when a candidate associated with one Province attempts to run for the Presidency during a year allocated to a different Province by using a secondary corporate registration or multi-city Chamber membership. The ensuing FPCCI election for Presidency for the incoming tenure is the right of a denizen of Sindh. Period.
The FPCCI election has already entered into a Provincial clash because the ruling United Business Group (UBG) has reportedly nominated a candidate based in Lahore, running multiple industries in Punjab, has served as Caretaker Minister in Punjab, and has no permanent residence in Karachi or elsewhere is Sindh. UBG is a strong Group and has support of many Chambers and Associations within the FPCCI ecosystem. This has resulted in a backlash among the business community of Sindh who are unanimous in their views that they are again being deprived of their rights and that this is a macabre example of hegemonic attitude of another Province. As it is, Karachi has been systematically suffering discrimination despite being the largest contributor to the national Exchequer, despite being the center of economic activity, and despite being the largest city in the country.
This usurpation has resulted in an uproar not only in Sindh but in KPK and Balochistan, and in fact, even in Punjab. This has vitiated the peaceful environment, and the heartburning and frustration is about to ensue into a cataclysmic impact on the nation’s entire business community. The distressing situation has been further compounded by a juvenile decision by the UBG handpicked Returning Officer which rejected the papers of all four nominees from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Of course, it goes without saying that the Returning Officer had to dance to the tune of those who ordered him to do so. The negativeness is a manifestation of pre-election defeatism and also exhibits arrogance, thoughtlessness, and conceit. The papers were rejected in an injudicious and brazen manner specifying that KCCI was a bogus entity. If this is the attitude, then one wonders why there is a ruckus regarding Form 47 when it comes to national politics? KCCI is the largest and oldest Chamber, established even before FPCCI became operational. Moreover, in the past, KCCI Presidents have also held the mantle of FPCCI President.
This impetuous style of the ruling group of using blatant misuse of power naturally resulted in provoking and impelling the KCCI hierarchy and supporters to come to the conclusion that it was time to bring democracy, justice and fair play in FPCCI. It was decided to take whatever legal recourse is available to overturn the illegal, illogical, and dishonest rejection of bona fide papers. It is also a stain on the reputation and integrity of the FPCCI Secretary General who is mandated to be impartial, independent, and balanced. Moreover, if the handpicked members of the Election Commission endorse the decision of the Returning Officer, they too would face the prospect of blackening their faces. Of course, notwithstanding the expected decision of the Election Commission, the case would end up on the table of the DGTO. Sad fact is that the ruling group itself is tarnishing the image and critical mass of the apex body and it would not bode well for it both domestically and even in the halls of its counterparts around the world. This action also led to the formation of Pakistan Businessmen Alliance under which the candidates from BMG and BMP will jointly contest the elections.
The bright spot in this episode is that the candidate from outside Sindh is an excellent entrepreneur, a bold leader, and very humble person. He brings with him impeccable credentials, being son of late S M Muneer, respectfully knows as Bhai Jan as well as being the son in law of late Ejaz Shaffi, who was the most courageous, outspoken, and straightforward leader of the business community. The candidate deserves to be President FPCCI but not now. His desire to lead will come when the Presidentship is the turn of the Province of his residence and business. Time is definitely on his side, and he has now an opportunity of few more years to hone his credentials as a formidable representative of Pakistan’s private sector. Therefore, in all sincerity, he is earnestly requested to withdraw his candidature and instead UBG should nominate a Sindh based resident among the many stalwarts in the UBG hierarchy. The outcome of his pragmatic decision will send a strong message to all that seats, honors, and positions are secondary. Personal credibility and sacrifice are paramount. The business community comes first, and this should be the ultimate objective.“There has to be a group of people from among you who call towards the good, and bid the fair, and forbid the unfair. And it is these who are successful.” Al-Quran 3:104
