Jam Kamal orders transparent trade body elections

Digital dashboard, observers to monitor 320 elections as reforms take effect

ISLAMABAD:

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has directed the Director General Trade Organisations (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, digitalisation and institutional reforms, according to a statement on Friday.

Addressing the media after receiving a briefing from DGTO Bilal Khan Pasha on preparations for the 2026-28 elections, the minister said the government remains committed to strengthening the institutional framework governing trade organisations.

Following Parliament's approval of amendments to the Trade Organisations Act, significant reforms have been introduced to streamline the regulatory framework, the minister said, adding that the commerce ministry is extending full institutional support to the DGTO to modernise and digitalise its operations.

Jam Kamal directed the DGTO to establish a dedicated elections portal on the ministry's website carrying election schedules, applicable laws, voter lists, election results and other relevant information. He also instructed the development of a digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of election activities and directed all trade organisations to submit election schedules, voter lists and results in soft-copy format.

For the first time, the DGTO has been strengthened with additional human resources to support election monitoring. Officers from the commerce ministry, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, State Life Insurance Corporation and other government organisations will serve as independent observers and witnesses during the elections.

Jam Kamal said the ministry is coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure administrative and security support at larger polling venues. He encouraged chambers and trade associations to modernise their internal election management systems, noting that transparent processes would significantly reduce post-election disputes.

DGTO Bilal Khan Pasha briefed the minister that elections for chambers of commerce and trade associations will continue until September 30, 2026, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry elections will begin on October 1 and conclude by December 31. Around 380 registered trade organisations fall under the DGTO's regulatory framework, with 320 organisations scheduled to hold elections this year.

The minister directed officials to maintain complete neutrality, ensure strict compliance with the Trade Organisations Act and Rules, and facilitate free, fair and transparent elections.