Report: Hurish Shah FT:
ISLAMABAD — President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, has assured traders of Islamabad's Fruit and Vegetable Market, I-11/1, of the Chamber's full support in resolving their longstanding issues, stressing that traders' businesses and livelihoods must be protected.
Addressing a delegation of market representatives, he highlighted problems relating to sanitation, streetlights, roads, footpaths, infrastructure and encroachments. He also expressed concern over any proposed relocation of the market and assured traders that their issues would be taken up with the CDA, MCI and other relevant authorities.
Zikria Akbar Zia said Pakistan's fruit and vegetable sector had significant export potential, particularly Pakistani Kinnow, which enjoys demand in international markets, including Russia. He proposed improved packaging, supply-chain standards, traders' training and greater participation in international trade delegations to explore new export opportunities.
Fruit and Vegetable Association President Babu Aleem thanked the ICCI leadership for supporting the traders. He said the market comprised more than 600 business establishments and supplied fruits and vegetables to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Former ICCI Senior Vice President and Association Secretary General Tahir Ayub raised concerns over inadequate development despite substantial taxes and charges paid by traders. He questioned the utilisation of Rs530 million allocated under PSDP 2025-26 and called for transparency, removal of encroachments and a comprehensive development plan covering roads, drainage, sanitation, parking, auction grounds and cold-storage facilities.
ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha stressed unity among traders to resolve their problems, while Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan Swati reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to pursuing their concerns with relevant authorities.
ICCI Executive Member Mohammad Sohail Chaudhry moderated the event. Several market representatives and business community members also attended and highlighted issues facing traders.
