The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) today formally petitioned the government for a 50 per cent reduction in a newly imposed fee for Women Chambers, citing severe financial strain on these organisations that support female entrepreneurs.
The appeal, directed by FPCCI President Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh to the Director General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), addresses a recent directive that established a flat fee of PKR 100,000 for all trade bodies to amend their Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Mr. Sheikh elaborated that the constitutional revisions are not being initiated voluntarily by the trade organisations. Instead, they are a mandatory requirement to conform to new regulatory instructions issued by the DGTO, compelling the chambers to incur the cost.
Following the fee announcement, the FPCCI reported receiving numerous representations from various Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry across Pakistan, all requesting financial relief from the newly-prescribed charge.
In his communication with the regulator, the FPCCI president highlighted that Women Chambers generally operate with limited financial resources and modest revenue streams, which are primarily dependent on membership subscriptions. He stressed that these bodies represent businesses owned by women, who account for 52 per cent of the nation”s population.
Despite these fiscal constraints, the chambers perform a crucial function in promoting women”s entrepreneurship, facilitating capacity-building, and strengthening female-led businesses. The FPCCI has therefore argued that a special concession under Schedule ‘E’ of the TOR 2013 is essential.
FPCCI Senior Vice President (SVP), Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, maintained that granting the 50 per cent waiver is critical. He asserted it would significantly facilitate the Women Chambers in complying with regulatory duties while enabling them to continue their pivotal work in empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic participation.
The SVP added that the apex body believes this supportive action would not only strengthen the institutional framework of Women Chambers but also align directly with the government”s overarching vision for women”s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.