By:Shams ul Haq
The Mardan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), which today stands as an important representative institution of the business and industrial community of the district, has come a long way since its establishment through the efforts of prominent industrialist and former MNA Haji Naseemur Rahman. Haji Naseem
not only provided offices for the establishment of the chamber but also played a key role in introducing the chamber throughout the country. He invited the then Finance Minister Shukat Aziz and other dignatories to visit Mardan chamber and provide various facilities to local traders.
Under his patronage and leadership, the chamber expanded rapidly and emerged as an important platform for traders and industrialists, helping create opportunities for business growth and contributing to the economic development of the region.
Later when Amir Haider Khan Hoti became chief minister of the province he paved the way for the construction of a purpose-built building for the institution in the heart of Mardan city.
Before the establishment of the Mardan Chamber, the local business community had to depend largely on the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar for representation and resolution of its issues. The struggle for an independent chamber in Mardan was therefore considered an important milestone for the district’s business community.
Over the years, the MCCI has evolved into a well-established organisation representing a broad spectrum of traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs. Its journey also reflects the changing dynamics of Mardan’s business community and its growing role in the local economy.
At present, young and energetic businessman Zahir Shah has emerged as a central figure in the chamber’s organisational affairs and traders, politics. As group leader, he has remained actively involved in matters concerning traders and industrialists and has played a prominent role in the chamber’s recent electoral process.
In the latest election, prominent industrialist Haji Masoodur Rahman, younger brother of MCCI founder Haji Naseemur Rahman, was elected president of the chamber. Haji Sarbuland Khan and Murad Ali were elected senior vice president and vice president, respectively.
The new office-bearers formally assumed their responsibilities at the biennial general meeting and oath-taking ceremony of the Mardan Chamber of Commerce and Industry held at Naseemabad, Mardan. Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman, was the chief guest.
Group Leader Zahir Shah, newly elected President Haji Masoodur Rahman and businessman Waqar Bacha addressed the ceremony, while outgoing president Haji Owais Khan presented the chamber’s annual performance report.
Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers, including President Haji Masoodur Rahman, Senior Vice President Haji Sarbuland Khan, Vice President Murad Ali and members of the Executive Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Faisal Saleem said the business community was the backbone of the national economy. He assured traders and industrialists that he had played his role in resolving their issues in the past and would continue to support them in the future. He said peace and security were among the most pressing challenges facing the country, as security personnel, police officials and civilians continued to be targeted by terrorism. He called upon the business community and the nation to stand by the security forces and law-enforcement agencies in efforts to restore peace, saying that sustainable economic development was not possible without a peaceful environment.
Newly elected President Haji Masoodur Rahman thanked the guests and members of the business community for their confidence in him. He said he would continue the tradition of serving traders and industrialists and would make efforts to promote their welfare and help resolve their problems.
Provincial General Secretary of the Central Organisation of Traders and former MCCI president Zahir Shah said the credit for establishing the Mardan Chamber of Commerce and Industry primarily went to Haji Naseemur Rahman. He said the business and industrial community of Mardan would always remember his services and contribution to the institution.
Mr Shah also called for greater consultation between the Federal Board of Revenue and the business community on taxation matters. He said representatives of traders and industrialists should be taken into confidence before introducing any new tax regime and demanded meaningful consultation in the formulation of tax policies.
Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman also acknowledged the contribution of Haji Naseemur Rahman to the establishment of the chamber. He said the creation of the MCCI had provided the business community of Mardan with its own representative platform and enabled it to raise its issues more effectively. The development of the chamber, from the initial struggle for its establishment to the construction of a purpose-built facility and its subsequent expansion, represents an important chapter in the economic history of Mardan. Its evolution has also been closely linked with the efforts of successive office-bearers, traders and industrialists who have sought to strengthen the institution. As the new leadership takes charge, expectations within the business community are high that the chamber will further expand its role in promoting trade, industry, investment and entrepreneurship in Mardan, while continuing to serve as a bridge between the business community and government institutions. The ceremony concluded with Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman distributing shields and certificates of appreciation among traders and industrialists in recognition of their outstanding performance and services.
