Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Friday directed the Director General Trade Organizations (DGTO) to ensure that the upcoming nationwide elections of Chambers of Commerce and trade associations are conducted in a transparent, fair and credible manner through strengthened monitoring, digitalization and institutional reforms.

Addressing the media in his video message after receiving a detailed briefing from Director General Trade Organizations (DGTO) Bilal Khan Pasha on preparations for the 2026-28 trade bodies’ elections, the Minister said the Government remains committed to strengthening the institutional framework governing trade organizations and ensuring that the electoral process reflects the highest standards of transparency, accountability and fairness.

Jam Kamal Khan said that following Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Trade Organizations Act, significant reforms have been introduced to streamline the regulatory framework and improve the functioning of trade organizations.

He added that the Ministry of Commerce is extending full institutional support to the DGTO to modernize and digitalize its operations so that it can facilitate Chambers and Trade Associations more effectively, both during the elections and beyond.

The Minister directed the DGTO to accelerate the digital transformation of election management by establishing a dedicated elections portal on the Ministry’s website carrying election schedules, applicable laws and rules, notifications, voter lists, election results and other relevant information for stakeholders.

He also instructed the DGTO to develop a digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of election activities across the country and directed all trade organizations to submit election schedules, voter lists and election results in soft-copy format to facilitate efficient digital management and oversight.

Emphasizing transparency and equal access to information, the Minister directed that final voter lists be published in accordance with the Trade Organizations Act and Rules and that comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be issued to ensure uniform implementation of election procedures across all trade organizations.

Jam Kamal Khan further highlighted that, for the first time, the DGTO has been strengthened with additional human resources to support election monitoring.

Officers from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority Pakistan, State Life Insurance Corporation and other government organizations will serve as independent observers and witnesses during the elections to enhance transparency and provide credible documentation for any subsequent complaints or appeals.

The Minister also said that the Ministry is coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure appropriate administrative and security support at larger polling venues where high voter turnout is expected, to maintain a peaceful and orderly election environment.

He encouraged Chambers and Trade Associations to modernize their own internal election management systems by adopting stronger monitoring mechanisms and greater use of digital tools, noting that transparent and well-documented processes would significantly reduce post-election disputes and appeals.

Earlier, DGTO Bilal Khan Pasha briefed the Minister that the election process for Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations has commenced and will continue until 30 September 2026, while elections of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will begin on 1 October and conclude by 31 December 2026.

He informed the Minister that around 380 registered trade organizations fall under the DGTO’s regulatory framework, of which 320 organizations are scheduled to hold elections this year.

The DGTO further briefed the Minister on the complete election process, including preparation of voter lists, scrutiny of nominations, constitution of election commissions, ballot paper management, polling arrangements, monitoring mechanisms, dispute resolution procedures and post-election appeals.

The Minister informed the House that comprehensive arrangements have been made to strengthen transparency through deployment of trained election observers, development of SOPs, improved documentation of polling and vote counting, and enhanced coordination with relevant authorities wherever required.

Concluding his remarks, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan directed officials to maintain complete neutrality, ensure strict compliance with the Trade Organizations Act and Rules, and facilitate free, fair and transparent elections throughout the country.

He also extended his best wishes to all Chambers, Trade Associations, candidates and voters participating in the 2026-28 trade bodies’ elections, expressing confidence that the entire electoral process would be completed peacefully, transparently and in a spirit of cooperation.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a gas explosion at the Sorange coal mine near Quetta, where several miners were killed.

According to initial reports, a large number of the victims belonged to Shangla district.

The minister contacted Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti by telephone and urged a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the tragedy, while the provincial government assured a full inquiry into the incident.

Expressing heartfelt condolences, Mr Muqam said the nation stood with the bereaved families in their hour of grief and sorrow.

During his conversation with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the federal minister stressed the need to determine the causes of the explosion and ensure accountability through an impartial investigation.

The Balochistan chief minister assured him that a complete probe would be conducted and all aspects of the incident would be thoroughly examined.

Mr Muqam also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, the elevation of their ranks, and strength and patience for the families left behind.

The deadly explosion has triggered widespread grief across the country, particularly in Shangla, from where many of the deceased miners are believed to have originated, according to preliminary information.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Friday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of 34 precious lives in a coal mine accident in the Soranj area on the outskirts of Quetta.

The minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased miners and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for strength and patience for their families to bear the irreparable loss.

In his condolence message, Hanif Abbasi said that miners are a valuable asset to the country’s economy and stressed that strict implementation of safety regulations was essential to protect their lives.

He emphasized that safety mechanisms, monitoring systems and occupational standards in coal mines should be further strengthened to prevent tragic incidents like the Soranj mine accident in the future.

The minister said that protecting the lives and property of the working class was the foremost responsibility of the state and the relevant institutions, urging effective measures to avoid such tragedies.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday paid tribute to Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, recalling her as a trustworthy companion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and a distinguished leader of the Pakistan Movement.

The president, in a statement, said that Fatima Jinnah was a strong champion of democratic values, who encouraged women to play an active and effective role in national life and the freedom movement.

Calling her struggle a guiding light for the nation even today, he said that the services of Fatima Jinnah to the nation, democracy and society would always be remembered with profound respect.

President Zardari prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of Fatima Jinnah’s ranks in paradise.

Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid on Friday paid glowing tribute to Madar-e-Millat, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, saying her unwavering commitment to democracy, the constitution and the rights of the people continued to inspire the nation.

In a message issued on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation on the birth anniversary of Madar-e-Millat and paid rich tribute to her invaluable national services.

She said the 133rd birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah reminded the nation of her unparalleled struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy and the protection of public rights.

She added that Fatima Jinnah played a historic role in creating awareness among women about their active participation in national development and the democratic process, and her contributions would always be remembered.

The BISP chairperson said Fatima Jinnah’s honesty, courage and principled politics served as a guiding light for future generations.

She urged the nation to renew its commitment to building a stronger, democratic and people-centric Pakistan by following the vision and ideals of Madar-e-Millat. Senator Rubina Khalid also said the Benazir Income Support Programme would continue to draw inspiration from Fatima Jinnah’s vision in its mission to empower women and promote their socio-economic development.

She reaffirmed that the nation saluted the outstanding services of Madar-e-Millat, whose name would always be remembered with the utmost respect and honour.