Key Takeaways
- PIAF vows to reorganise and make a strong comeback in the next LCCI elections.
- Mian Anjum Nisar, PIAF Patron-in-Chief, alleges interference in the recent election.
- A recount of votes did not alter the outcome, with Vision Alliance securing 13 seats.
The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has pledged to reorganise its ranks and make a strong comeback in the upcoming Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elections, according to a statement issued after an executive committee meeting.
Mian Anjum Nisar, the PIAF Patron-in-Chief, maintained that the group did not lose the recent contest but its mandate was 'taken away,' suggesting interference in the electoral process.
The LCCI Corporate Class election held on September 23 saw the Vision Alliance secure 13 of the 15 seats, while the PPBA Alliance won two. The provisional results showed a close contest among candidates at the lower end of the winning list.
Following objections over the counting process, a recount was conducted on October 2 under the directions of the Directorate General of Trade Organisations (DGTO). However, the recount did not alter the overall result, with Tahir Manzoor’s tally increasing from 1,478 to 1,483 votes, Aamir Ata Barry’s from 1,460 to 1,466, and Ali Hussam Asghar’s from 1,700 to 1,697.
Mian Anjum Nisar, speaking at the meeting, said, 'We have not lost the election; the election was taken away from us,' alleging several forms of interference during the electoral process.
He further stated, 'There should not be only one Anjum Nisar, one Muhammad Ali Mian or one Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol in PIAF,' stressing the need to strengthen the organisation at every level.
PIAF Chairman and former LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said the meeting demonstrated complete unity within the organisation, adding, 'Today the entire PIAF is united and all executive members have expressed confidence in Mian Anjum Nisar’s leadership. This is our victory.'
Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, PIAF Vice Chairman, and former LCCI presidents Muhammad Ali Mian and Tahir Javed Malik also attended the meeting.
Mian Anjum Nisar said PIAF would prepare parallel teams ahead of the next elections to develop new leadership and ensure that the organisation did not depend on a few individuals.
We have not lost the election; the election was taken away from us.
Mian Anjum Nisar, Patron-in-Chief, PIAF
Today the entire PIAF is united and all executive members have expressed confidence in Mian Anjum Nisar’s leadership. This is our victory.
Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, PIAF Chairman and former LCCI President
