A high-level delegation met President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh in Islamabad on February 23, 2026, to review the country’s economic situation and pressing challenges facing traders and small and medium enterprises. The meeting focused on policy continuity and practical measures to support SMEs across Pakistan.
The delegation comprised former FPCCI Vice Presidents Sajjad Sarwar and Qurban Ali, along with Arman Shah, president of the Gilgit Small Chamber. Sajjad Sarwar and Qurban Ali paid tribute to Atif Ikram Sheikh’s advocacy for the business community, saying he has truly represented traders during these challenging times.
To ensure continuity of the ongoing reform agenda within the federation, the group urged the Government of Pakistan to grant a two year extension to the tenure of the FPCCI President. They argued that extending the mandate would maintain momentum on reforms that benefit industrialists and traders and allow the federation to follow through on initiatives already underway.
Delegation members highlighted deep concerns over the deterioration of conditions for SMEs, citing the sharp rise in electricity and gas tariffs and a growing tax burden that threaten small-scale operations. Representatives from Gilgit drew attention to the specific logistical and administrative hurdles faced by traders in remote areas, noting that these challenges compound the impact of higher input costs on local businesses.
Responding to the delegation, Atif Ikram Sheikh thanked the members for their support and assured them he would press SME grievances at the highest levels of government. He stressed that ‘the wheels of the national economy cannot turn swiftly until relief is provided to small-scale traders’ and said the federation is working with all chambers to develop a comprehensive economic plan to address these issues.
