UBG, BMPP deny FPCCI Election deal at Presser, sign written pact later
KARACHI (TKP Report): A behind-the-scenes power-sharing agreement between the United Business Group (UBG) and the Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) has emerged as a significant development in the upcoming Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) elections, despite both groups publicly denying reports of a deal during a joint press conference.
According to sources, senior representatives of both groups signed a written agreement at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) office after the press conference, finalizing an arrangement for the distribution of key FPCCI positions.
Under the reported agreement, BMPP has secured two vice-president positions, along with the FPCCI Sindh regional chairman slot for a one-year term. The arrangement effectively fulfills BMPP’s demand for a dedicated regional chairman position for Sindh.
Another significant provision concerns the Senior Vice President (SVP) position. Sources said UBG has agreed that whenever the SVP slot is allocated to Sindh in the future, it will go to BMPP.
The agreement also reportedly includes a provision preventing unelected individuals from imposing their decisions on elected office-bearers, allowing elected representatives to exercise their authority independently.
The sequence of events has raised questions about the public denial of an agreement followed by the signing of a written understanding behind closed doors.
Interestingly, the agreement was reportedly signed before UBG’s Patron-in-Chief departed for Lahore, with senior representatives from both groups participating in the arrangement.
Sources further indicated that the allocation of the Sindh regional chairman position to BMPP has caused disappointment within UBG, suggesting that the power-sharing arrangement may not have received unanimous support within the group.
The written understanding marks an important shift in the political equation ahead of the FPCCI elections, with its implementation likely to determine whether the two groups can maintain their electoral alliance and honour the agreed distribution of positions.
The key question now is whether the commitments made behind closed doors will translate into actual power-sharing within the country’s apex trade body.
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