Trade Bodies Protest Government Decision to Hold Early Elections

Karachi: The Chairman of the All Pakistan Motorcycle Spare Parts Importers and Dealers Association (AP MASPDA), Sohail Osman, voiced his concerns regarding the federal government’s decision to conduct new elections for trade bodies in 2025.

According to a statement by All Pakistan Motorcycle Spare Parts Importers and Dealers Association, Osman highlighted that the mandate for trade bodies, which includes the Chambers of Commerce and various Associations, was set for a two-year term from October 2024 to September 2026. This mandate was legally approved by the Senate of Pakistan, making the government’s decision appear unjust.

Osman elaborated that AP MASPDA and other trade bodies nationwide had already conducted elections in September 2024, adhering to the federally mandated two-year term. He emphasized that the democratic process through which representatives were elected should be respected. Implementing the government’s new decision would shorten the term of trade bodies from two years to one, which he argued would not only disregard the preferences of the business, industrial, and trader communities but also impose unnecessary financial burdens.

Furthermore, Osman pointed out that the previous elections were conducted transparently, following the Trade Bodies Ordinance and established legal procedures. He warned that new elections in 2025 would undermine the mandate conferred by the business community and disrupt the functioning of trade organizations. This disruption, he noted, comes at a critical time when economic stability and policy continuity are needed.

Osman called on the federal government to reconsider its decision, urging it to allow the associations and chambers to complete their current term, which is scheduled to conclude in September 2026.

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