KCCI LEADERSHIP REINSTATED: Commerce secretary suspends DGTO decision

KARACHI: The Secretary of Commerce has suspended the Directorate General of Trade Organizations’ (DGTO) decision, which had declared the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) election null and void.

The DGTO had taken action against the KCCI for failing to conduct separate elections for the Corporate Class and Associations Class voter lists. As a result, the chamber’s office bearers had vacated their positions, and their nameplates were removed.

BMG Chairperson Zubair Motiwala and KCCI President Javed Balwani submitted an appeal to the Secretary of Commerce. Following a hearing, the secretary decided to reinstate the chamber’s leadership.

In his ruling, the Secretary of Commerce said that in light of the relevant legal provisions and associated rules, the Ministry of Commerce serves as the appellate authority against the regulator’s Order No 03/2025, issued on March 3, 2025, under Section 21, Subsection (2) of the Act. The regulator’s order has been suspended until the next hearing, and the concerned parties have been directed to appear before the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce on April 10, 2025.

Commenting on the development, Motiwala said that the order against the chamber had been suspended, restoring the positions of office bearers and the managing committee.