DGTO Decision Vindicates MCCI Election Process: President
Multan (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Aug, 2026)
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Mian Bakhtawar Tanvir Sheikh stated that the Directorship General of Trade Organizations (DGTO)’s rejection of all 17 appeals challenging the chamber’s 2026-28 election process proves that objections raised by the Friends Group against the Founder Group were without legal or factual basis.
He explained that the DGTO’s decision found actions taken by the MCCI Secretary General and Election Commission to be in accordance with the law and relevant rules, thereby rejecting the Friends Group’s objections.
Mr. Sheikh addressed claims made by the Friends Group regarding the voter list, member classification, and certain business entities within the chamber. He accused them of exaggerating these issues on social and electronic media as part of a negative campaign against the Founder Group and MCCI leadership.
According to him, the DGTO’s clarification of the factual and legal position, coupled with the rejection of all appeals, demonstrates the unsustainability of the objections on both legal and factual grounds.
Referring to the case of Osteria Food Technologies, President Sheikh accused the Friends Group of using it as a platform for character assassination against the Founder Group and responsible chamber officials on social media and other platforms. He claimed that an impression was created that the chamber disregarded laws and regulations in dealing with the matter. However, the DGTO’s examination of records, documents, tax records, and arguments led to upholding the decisions and confirming the chamber’s actions as lawful.
He emphasized that the DGTO’s endorsement of Osteria Food Technologies’ inclusion on the voter list also exposed the lack of factual basis behind negative propaganda surrounding the issue.
Mian Bakhtawar Tanvir Sheikh stressed that it is not in the interest of the business community to make any business entity or trader’s reputation controversial for political or electoral gains. He added, "Differences of opinion are the right of every group in an election, but such differences should not be turned into false allegations, character assassination, or negative propaganda."
He affirmed that the Founder Group has always prioritized law, merit, transparency, and the collective interests of the business community. The DGTO decision, he said, would provide satisfaction to traders who desire electoral and administrative matters decided based on facts and law. He clarified that the Founder Group is not contesting elections against any individual or group but is working for the rights of all.
