Islamabad ( WNAM REPORT): President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, said that the one-year extension in his tenure is truly a result of the trust, support, and prayers of the business community. He said they have always strived to keep the FPCCI free from political influence, policy-driven, and actively working in the national interest—and will continue to stand firm on this vision.
He added that solving the challenges faced by the business community, tax reforms, export promotion, and training and mentoring the younger generation of entrepreneurs remain their priorities. He was speaking to a delegation of prominent business leaders from Islamabad who visited him at the FPCCI President Secretariat to congratulate him on the extension and to assure full support.
The delegation included UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, former FPCCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik, former ICCI Presidents Khalid Iqbal Malik and Ejaz Abbasi, ICCI Council Member Chaudhry Masood, and ICCI Executive Member Sardar Tahir.
Atif Ikram Sheikh stated that the presidency of FPCCI is not just an honorary position for him but a great responsibility, aimed not at gaining power, but at public service. He said the trust and support of the business community are their greatest strength. Over the past term, they have raised their voice on national platforms regarding issues like the economy, exports, tax policies, and regulatory challenges, and presented serious recommendations to the government.
He added that they have promoted consultation across all sectors and established strong links with stakeholders. Their goal is to ensure continuity in policies, protect the business community from instability, and create an environment where industry, trade, and investment can thrive. He also mentioned launching targeted policy programs for youth, women, small businesses, and exporters. This extension, he said, will provide them with more time and motivation to realize these goals.
Zafar Bakhtawari said that under Atif Ikram Sheikh’s leadership, the FPCCI has followed a path of institutional autonomy, strong governance, and true representation of ground-level business issues. The one-year extension will help boost policy continuity and confidence in the business community.
Zubair Ahmed Malik said that President Atif Ikram Sheikh has genuinely empowered the business community, and the decision to extend his tenure aligns perfectly with their priorities.
Khalid Iqbal Malik noted that the current leadership has played an exemplary role in strengthening and making the Federation more effective. This extension sends a clear message about continuity in business policies across the country.
Ejaz Abbasi said Atif Ikram Sheikh has represented the business community equally at federal and provincial levels. He expressed hope that this commitment would grow even stronger.
Chaudhry Masood stated that the Federation has now emerged as a dynamic, empowered, and visionary institution. The extension in the President’s term will help maintain this momentum.
Sardar Tahir added that this decision reflects the sentiments of the business community. The current leadership has established a tradition of selfless service, which should continue in the future.
The delegation assured that they have full confidence in the leadership of the FPCCI President and will continue to offer their full cooperation in addressing the economic challenges facing Pakistan.
