Atif Ikram’s Appointment as SVP SAARC Chamber commended

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT )l The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) entered a new chapter of regional leadership this week during the high-profile inauguration of its state-of-the-art Headquarters in Islamabad. The event, which served as a focal point for diplomatic and business engagement, was highlighted by the formal appointment of Atif Ikram as the Senior Vice President (SVP) of the SAARC Chamber.
A Strategic Masterstroke for Regional Trade
Mian Akram Farid—a Life Member of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), and Former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)—formally congratulated Mr. Ikram, describing the appointment as a “masterstroke” for the South Asian business community.
Reflecting on the appointment, Farid remarked that Mr. Ikram is uniquely positioned to navigate the complex economic landscape of South Asia. He highlighted Mr. Ikram’s proven track record of resolving intricate trade challenges and advocating for the business community at the highest levels of government. Farid expressed confidence that Mr. Ikram’s tireless work ethic will now be applied to the SAARC platform, bridging existing gaps and elevating the trade graph between Pakistan and member nations to unprecedented heights.
### A Vision for Integration and Tourism Diplomacy
Responding to the accolades, Mr. Atif Ikram expressed profound gratitude and outlined a visionary agenda for his term. Beyond traditional trade, Mr. Ikram pledged to spearhead a “Tourism Diplomacy” initiative. He articulated a plan to promote Pakistan’s diverse, “paradise-like” tourism destinations to citizens across SAARC member states. By facilitating cross-border tourism, he aims to strengthen cultural ties while providing a significant stimulus to the national economy.
Diplomatic Synergy
The inauguration served as a pivotal diplomatic gathering. Mr. Ikram held high-level discussions with the newly elected President of the SAARC Chamber, Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal. Both leaders expressed optimism that their collective stewardship would usher in an era of mutual growth. Additionally, Mr. Ikram paid tribute to the outgoing President, Mr. Jashim Uddin of Bangladesh, formally acknowledging his dedicated contributions to the Chamber’s regional mission during his tenure.
Honoring the Visionaries of Regional Cooperation
The event was an opportunity to reflect on the historical bedrock of the organization. Mian Akram Farid, Life Member of the SCCI, Former President of the ICCI, and Former VP of the FPCCI, paid a poignant tribute to the visionary leaders who founded the SAARC Chamber in Pakistan:
The Late Tariq Sayeed: Widely regarded as the “Father of the Chamber Movement” in Pakistan, he was a legendary trade leader whose pioneering efforts in institutional building and regional diplomacy laid the foundation for the SAARC Chamber’s success. His commitment to creating a unified voice for the business community remains an enduring pillar of our regional trade advocacy.
The Late Iftikhar Ali Malik: A veteran trade leader with over five decades of meritorious service, he served as a former President of the SAARC Chamber. He was a driving force in regional integration, known for his integrity, selflessness, and tireless work in institutional development. He played a crucial role in securing the land and vision for the new SAARC CCI Headquarters, a project he championed as a memorial edifice for South Asian economic cooperation.
The Late S.M. Muneer:A towering industrialist and a former President of the FPCCI, he was a stalwart of the United Business Group (UBG). His leadership was defined by his unmatched ability to unite the diverse interests of the business community. His vision for a cohesive and prosperous Pakistan made him an inspirational figure whose advocacy for trade reforms and industry growth continues to guide the UBG today.
Farid emphasized that these foundational leaders ensured that Pakistan remains a cornerstone of the regional economic architecture. He further stressed that the United Business Group (UBG), under the current guidance of Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer, continues to build upon this legacy with great diligence to secure commercial advantages for the Pakistani business community.
A Landmark Achievement: The New Headquarters
The ceremony concluded with a celebration of the completion of the magnificent SAARC Chamber Headquarters building in Islamabad. Mian Akram Farid—Life Member of the SCCI, Former President of the ICCI, and Former VP of the FPCCI—offered special recognition to Malik Zubair, Vice Chairman of the Headquarters Building Committee and Executive Member, as well as Zulfiqar Ali Butt, the Secretary General of the Chamber.
Farid emphasized that the realization of this landmark project was the result of their indefatigable efforts. The new facility stands not just as a building, but as a world-class center for regional economic cooperation—a “one-stop solution” for the Pakistani business community to connect, collaborate, and trade with the SAARC region.