Commerce Minister calls for transparent, well-monitored trade bodies’ electoral process

ISLAMABAD, Jul 31 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Friday directed the Director General Trade Organizations (DGTO) to ensure that the upcoming nationwide elections of Chambers of Commerce and trade associations are conducted in a transparent, fair and credible manner through strengthened monitoring, digitalization and institutional reforms.

Addressing the media in his video message after receiving a detailed briefing from Director General Trade Organizations (DGTO) Bilal Khan Pasha on preparations for the 2026–28 trade bodies’ elections, the Minister said the Government remains committed to strengthening the institutional framework governing trade organizations and ensuring that the electoral process reflects the highest standards of transparency, accountability and fairness.

Jam Kamal Khan said that following Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Trade Organizations Act, significant reforms have been introduced to streamline the regulatory framework and improve the functioning of trade organizations.

He added that the Ministry of Commerce is extending full institutional support to the DGTO to modernize and digitalize its operations so that it can facilitate Chambers and Trade Associations more effectively, both during the elections and beyond.

The Minister directed the DGTO to accelerate the digital transformation of election management by establishing a dedicated elections portal on the Ministry’s website carrying election schedules, applicable laws and rules, notifications, voter lists, election results and other relevant information for stakeholders.

He also instructed the DGTO to develop a digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of election activities across the country and directed all trade organizations to submit election schedules, voter lists and election results in soft-copy format to facilitate efficient digital management and oversight.

Emphasizing transparency and equal access to information, the Minister directed that final voter lists be published in accordance with the Trade Organizations Act and Rules and that comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be issued to ensure uniform implementation of election procedures across all trade organizations.

Jam Kamal Khan further highlighted that, for the first time, the DGTO has been strengthened with additional human resources to support election monitoring.

Officers from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority Pakistan, State Life Insurance Corporation and other government organizations will serve as independent observers and witnesses during the elections to enhance transparency and provide credible documentation for any subsequent complaints or appeals.

The Minister also said that the Ministry is coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure appropriate administrative and security support at larger polling venues where high voter turnout is expected, to maintain a peaceful and orderly election environment.

He encouraged Chambers and Trade Associations to modernize their own internal election management systems by adopting stronger monitoring mechanisms and greater use of digital tools, noting that transparent and well-documented processes would significantly reduce post-election disputes and appeals.

Earlier, DGTO Bilal Khan Pasha briefed the Minister that the election process for Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations has commenced and will continue until 30 September 2026, while elections of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will begin on 1 October and conclude by 31 December 2026.

He informed the Minister that around 380 registered trade organizations fall under the DGTO’s regulatory framework, of which 320 organizations are scheduled to hold elections this year.

The DGTO further briefed the Minister on the complete election process, including preparation of voter lists, scrutiny of nominations, constitution of election commissions, ballot paper management, polling arrangements, monitoring mechanisms, dispute resolution procedures and post-election appeals.

The Minister informed the House that comprehensive arrangements have been made to strengthen transparency through deployment of trained election observers, development of SOPs, improved documentation of polling and vote counting, and enhanced coordination with relevant authorities wherever required.

Concluding his remarks, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan directed officials to maintain complete neutrality, ensure strict compliance with the Trade Organizations Act and Rules, and facilitate free, fair and transparent elections throughout the country.

He also extended his best wishes to all Chambers, Trade Associations, candidates and voters participating in the 2026–28 trade bodies’ elections, expressing confidence that the entire electoral process would be completed peacefully, transparently and in a spirit of cooperation.