Report: FT Correspondent:
RAWALPINDI — Chairman of the Iron and Steel Association Rawalpindi, Mian Akram Fareed, has said that unity and mutual solidarity among traders are essential for protecting the rights and ensuring the survival of the business community.
He was addressing a consultative meeting of newly elected office-bearers and association members at the association's central office in Rawalpindi.
Mian Akram Fareed said the association had been serving the iron and steel traders of Rawalpindi for more than four decades and had consistently struggled to safeguard their legitimate rights. He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers on securing their positions unopposed, saying that collective strength was vital to resolving market issues and protecting traders' interests.
Highlighting the association's achievements, he referred to its successful efforts to secure changes in the proposed alignment of the Nullah Lai development project, which had threatened several shops and the livelihoods of hundreds of families. He said continuous coordination with federal and local authorities helped protect the business community from potential financial losses.
He added that the association was also working to address the concerns of allied markets, including sanitary, tiles, marble, wood and timber businesses. The organization's objectives would be further streamlined in consultation with its members to meet modern requirements.
Mian Akram Fareed paid tribute to the late Haji Chiragh for his services and appreciated outgoing President Sheikh Abdul Abid for his dedicated contribution to the association and the trading community.
He congratulated the newly elected leadership, including President Muhammad Imran Sunny, Senior Vice President Shaukat Iqbal, Vice President Mian Irfan and General Secretary Faisal Jalil Qureshi, expressing confidence that they would continue the association's traditions and work for traders' welfare.
Vice Chairman Malik Afzal thanked the participants and emphasized that active cooperation from all members was essential to strengthening the association and resolving market challenges.
Outgoing President Sheikh Abdul Abid thanked the chairman, vice chairman and members for their support during his tenure, while newly elected President Muhammad Imran Sunny pledged to protect the association's interests and work towards resolving traders' problems.
Other newly elected office-bearers also expressed gratitude to the membership for their confidence.
The meeting also paid tribute to deceased members of the association and offered special prayers for the departed souls.
The gathering was attended by Rawalpindi Chamber Executive Member Tariq Waheed Butt and a large number of traders, association members and prominent business representatives.
