The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today undergone a dramatic leadership change after President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani and his two senior-most colleagues abruptly stepped down, prompting an emergent election to fill the top positions for the remainder of the term.
The KCCI Executive Committee formally accepted the resignations of President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President (SVP) Zia ul Arfeen, and Vice President (VP) Faisal Khalil Ahmed. The departures were confirmed in a specially convened meeting of the committee.
Following the acceptance of the resignations, a special session was held to select new office bearers to serve the rest of the 2024-2026 tenure. The Executive Committee unanimously chose Muhammad Rehan Hanif as the new President, Muhammad Raza as Senior Vice President, and Muhammad Arif Lakhany as Vice President.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the influential Businessmen Group (BMG), commended the services of the outgoing team, extending particular praise for the dynamic stewardship of the departing president, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani. He lauded their commitment and significant contributions during what he described as a challenging period for commerce and industry.
Motiwala noted that under Bilwani’s direction, the KCCI effectively amplified the unified voice of the business and industrial community on critical economic matters, including energy tariffs, excessive taxation, and documentation hurdles. He added that the outgoing administration was instrumental in fostering better coordination among various trade bodies and industrial associations across the city.
The former office bearers were also recognized for maintaining a strong liaison with federal and provincial governments and policymakers, where they consistently advocated for the rights of the business community. Motiwala highlighted their dedicated persistence in addressing major issues like gas and electricity overbilling, industrial infrastructure deficiencies, and the law-and-order situation in Karachi.
Congratulating the newly appointed leadership, Chairman BMG expressed high expectations for President Rehan Hanif and his team. He affirmed that the BMG would continue to provide guidance and support to the KCCI leadership in its mission to safeguard the interests of trade and industry, aiming to foster economic prosperity for both Karachi and the nation.