Pakistan’s leading National English Daily, The News, called Saturday the 3rd November 2007 as “A Black Saturday”. The Editorial further said that;
“The imposition of emergency rule and suspension of the 1973 Constitution announced on Saturday is only going to destroy the very institutions that this country crucially needs for evolving into a true democracy, particularly the judiciary, media and parliament.”
Needless to say that since its independence from the British India in 1947, Pakistan has been a victim of four military governments, a phenomenon that has not only destroyed the democratic institutions but also suppressed the voice of business community.
CIPE since its inception in Pakistan in late 2005 has been closely working with the Business Associations to help them understand the importance of a democratic system within these organizations. In this respect CIPE team worked closely with the Ministry of Commerce which resulted in promulgation of a new Trade Organizations Ordinance 2007, to replace the 45 years old TOO 1961.
Additionally, CIPE conducted capacity building workshops for the elected office bearers as well as the paid staff across Pakistan. Moreover, under this NED funded project, CIPE provided three BSO Grants to Sarhad Chamber (NWFP), Lahore Chamber (Punjab) and Quetta Chamber (Balochistan).
CIPE’s continued engagement with business associations throughout this period has started reaping results. Astonishingly staff at the Quetta Chamber feels living in a professional environment. CIPE assisted them in computerization of their membership information. Their efficiency has improved manifolds. Sarhad Chamber has been successful in increasing its Women Membership from 7 to 67 during the last three months. Lahore Chamber has established an exclusive resource center for Women Entrepreneurs to provide support to its 400 women members.
That is not all! Due to this continued support, a major shift in the thinking process has also been witnessed by CIPE team. As the news law empowered the Secretariat, this year’s BSO Grant applications were prepared and submitted by the Paid CEOs, whereas, last year the applications were submitted through the President (elected representative) of the respective business association. This is a leap form a totally politicized approach to a more professional thinking!
Hopes are high and CIPE team continues its journey towards a completely democratic system within the business associations.
Published Date: November 08, 2007