Commerce Minister orders transparent, digital trade bodies’ elections

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has directed DGTO to ensure nationwide elections of Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations for 2026-28 are held transparently through digitalization, stronger monitoring and institutional reforms.

In a video message after a briefing by DGTO Bilal Khan Pasha, the Minister said Parliament’s amendments to the Trade Organizations Act have streamlined the regulatory framework. He ordered the creation of a dedicated elections portal and a real-time digital dashboard, and asked trade bodies to submit schedules, voter lists and results in soft copy.

For the first time, DGTO has additional staff and independent observers from the Ministry of Commerce, TDAP and other departments that will monitor polling.

Pasha said 320 of 380 registered organizations will hold elections by Sept 30, while FPCCI polls run from Oct 1 to Dec 31. The Minister stressed neutrality and compliance with the Act.