BMG, BMP form alliance to contest FPCCI polls

Karachi witnessed a significant political shift as the Businessmen Group (BMG) and Businessmen Panel (BMP) announced a strategic alliance to contest the upcoming Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) elections. The joint venture, dubbed the Pakistan Businessmen Alliance (PBA), aims to challenge the nomination of S. M. Tanveer, the presidential candidate of United Businessman Group (UBG).

Zubair Motiwala, chairman of BMG, and Mian Anjum Nisar, chairman of BMP, unveiled their plans at a press conference.

The PBA insists on a retired judge's supervision of the FPCCI elections and calls for their representation on the election committee to ensure transparency and fairness. Motiwala and Anjum emphasized their commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and the protection of business community's legitimate electoral rights. The formation of the PBA came after FPCCI Secretary General rejected the nomination papers of the Karachi Chamber and other candidates, raising concerns over electoral fairness and Sindh's representation in the apex trade body.

In response to the controversy surrounding the proposed candidature, Motiwala raised serious doubts about the individual's alleged electoral and organizational ties to Punjab. He demanded documentary evidence verifying the individual's voting record, previous electoral participation, and positions held in Punjab before accepting any claims of Sindh representation.

Motiwala stressed that provincial entitlement must be determined through verifiable records, the originating trade organization, and applicable provisions, rather than relying on an individual's residential or business address.

The BMG and BMP alliance is not limited to the upcoming FPCCI elections but is intended to continue as a long-term partnership. Both groups pledge to address pressing economic challenges confronting the country, advocate meaningful economic reforms, promote industrialization, enhance exports, attract investment, generate employment, and resolve persistent issues affecting the business community.

They emphasize the need for unity, collective wisdom, and a coordinated approach to address Pakistan's current economic challenges and safeguard the country's broader interests.