November 24, 2006	Friday	Ziqa'ad 2, 1427

KARACHI, Nov 23: A tough fight is expected between two rival groups in upcoming elections of the most prestigious and broad-based representative body of the private sector in Pakistan. Members of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) are expected to elect their leaders next month for 2007-8.

Tariq Sayeed and Bilour Ahmed are leading their own respective groups. With top slot of president to be filled this time by a candidate from Punjab, both the groups have already hinted at names of their prospective candidates. This, however, has resulted in realignment amongst rank and file. Even some top-ranking leaders have changed sides.

Consequently, there is also a possibility that people may opt to involve courts to sort out their differences.Close observers of the FPCCI elections told Dawn that difference of opinion over the selection of top slot led to Jamil Magoon to cross over to Bilour group from Tariq Sayeed’s group. Insiders revealed that differences erupted between Tariq Sayeed (TS) and Jamil Magoon over Misbah Rehman, a former president of the LCCI. Mr Rehman is declared candidate of the Bilour group as of now, whereas, Tariq Saeed is supporting candidature of Tanveer A. Shaikh from Multan.

It was learnt that Siraj Teli is also backing the Bilour group and has also managed to get the sympathies of Siraj Teli and Mian Habibullah.

Business leaders, S.M. Muneer and Mr Bolani, are supporting Tariq Saeed. However, it is too early to say who would prevail and manage to have control over the FPCCI affairs during next tenure.

The FPCCI, a representative body of 178 trade bodies of the country, includes 48 chambers, 44 ‘A’ class associations and 86 ‘B’ class associations.