Karachi Chamber of Commerce elections face intense alliance competition

The upcoming Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) elections have seen significant political maneuvering between competing business alliances. The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has announced its full support for the Businessmen Group (BMG), citing the leadership of Zubair Motiwala and Rehan Hanif. KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput highlighted the chamber’s role in addressing trader issues, such as the Gul Plaza tragedy, and noted that joint efforts have led to the Federal Board of Revenue holding monthly meetings in Karachi.

Conversely, the opposition alliance, Businessmen Alliance (BMA), is facing scrutiny from industrial circles. Critics have questioned the BMA’s credibility, suggesting the group consists of individuals who failed to secure positions within the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). BMA Chairman Asif Sakhi has denied these claims, stating that FPCCI politics should remain separate from KCCI affairs. Additionally, questions have been raised regarding the funding of the BMA’s extensive campaign, though Sakhi has pledged to make a list of donors public following the election.