TOBA TEK SINGH: The Director General of Trade Organisations (DGTO) has ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Jhang Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (JCSTSI).

According to the notification, in response to written complaints submitted by senior founding members of JCSTSI, a two-member inquiry committee, headed by the commerce ministry deputy director (TO), has been formed.

The committee is tasked with completing the inquiry within 90 days and submitting a report based on the approved terms of references. Additionally, instructions have been issued to relocate the JCSTSI office from its current non-public location to a more accessible public venue. In light of the complaints, an official directive has also been issued regarding the chamber’s bank account, which must be opened and to complete process of the renewal of pending memberships applications.

On the other hand, JCSTSI President Abdul Qayyum told the media that the chamber’s office, in fact, is situated at a public location within the city centre, and action is currently underway with the relevant bank to restore the chamber’s bank account.

He further said that all administrative and financial records of the chamber are complete and readily available. Nonetheless, the chamber intends to approach the federal secretary of commerce regarding the recent tripartite actions, he added.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025