By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — The PIAF, the Founders Group and the LBF have jointly demanded the immediate appointment of an administrator and a comprehensive legal audit at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) following a recent decision by the Directorate General of Trade Organisations (DGTO).
Addressing an emergency press conference, leaders including Founders Group Chairman Ibrahim Sheikh, Zeshan Khalil, Sohail Nisar, Mehmood Ghaznavi, Amjad Chaudhary and other representatives said the DGTO verdict had exposed serious administrative irregularities and procedural violations within the chamber, making impartial accountability unavoidable.
They called on the government to immediately replace and appoint a neutral administrator to ensure transparent management of the chamber’s affairs. They further stressed that preparations for a new Extraordinary General Meeting (EOGM) must be conducted strictly in accordance with the law to restore institutional credibility and business community confidence.
The groups also demanded a full legal and forensic audit of past financial and administrative decisions, including scrutiny of proposed changes to membership fees and other policy measures. They said the audit should determine whether there had been misuse of authority or procedural violations and identify those responsible.
The leaders also raised serious concerns regarding the role of the chamber secretariat, stating that questions had emerged about its administrative performance and neutrality. They called for a complete investigation to prevent future bias or legal violations.
They reaffirmed their commitment to defending the democratic rights of the business community and vowed not to allow the chamber to be used for personal or vested interests.
The representatives stated that the DGTO decision reflected the supremacy of law, transparency and good governance, sending a clear message that no office-bearer is above the law.
They further announced that PIAF, the Founders Group and LBF would contest upcoming elections under a joint strategy aimed at safeguarding traders’ rights and ensuring effective leadership at the chamber.
The groups urged the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Commerce to take immediate practical steps to appoint an administrator and order a comprehensive legal audit to restore transparency, accountability and trust within the institution.
Recent regulatory actions have demonstrated the DGTO’s authority to suspend trade bodies, appoint administrators and order audits under the Trade Organisations Act to ensure compliance and governance standards.
