Islamabad: A number of members of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) have reportedly expressed concern over a proposed awards ceremony in Türkiye, questioning whether the initiative aligns with the Chamber’s primary mandate of promoting trade, exports, and industrial development.
According to concerns raised by members, participants may be required to pay approximately Rs. 500,000 to attend the event, while recipients of awards may reportedly be asked to contribute around Rs. 1.5 million. These claims should be independently verified, and ICCI is encouraged to publicly clarify the fee structure and purpose of the event.
Business leaders argue that, at a time when Pakistan is facing economic challenges, stagnant exports, and increasing costs for businesses, the Chamber’s focus should remain on expanding export opportunities, attracting foreign investment, and resolving issues faced by industry rather than organizing high-cost overseas ceremonies.
Concerned members have called upon the ICCI Executive Committee to publicly disclose:
– The total estimated budget of the Türkiye visit.
– The source of funding for the delegation.
– Whether member subscriptions or Chamber funds will be used.
– The complete schedule of business meetings and expected trade outcomes.
– The criteria for selecting award recipients.
– Whether any award is linked to participation fees or sponsorships.
– The expected economic and export benefits for ICCI members.
Business representatives have emphasized that chambers of commerce exist primarily to facilitate trade, improve the business environment, support exporters, and represent the collective interests of their members. They argue that every expenditure should be evaluated on the basis of measurable economic impact and value for the wider business community.
Members have urged ICCI’s leadership to publish a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed visit and explain how the event will contribute to increasing Pakistan’s exports, attracting investment, generating business opportunities, and strengthening bilateral commercial relations with Türkiye.
The business community has also appealed to relevant oversight authorities and stakeholders to encourage transparency and accountability in the use of Chamber resources. They maintain that members deserve clear information on how their contributions are being utilized and whether overseas initiatives deliver tangible benefits to Pakistan’s business sector.
The concerns raised reflect a broader demand for openness, financial accountability, and a renewed focus on ICCI’s core mission of promoting trade, exports, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
