Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari is a Brand Ambassador of the Capital; His Services for Islamabad and the Business Community are Commendable: ICCI President

ISLAMABAD, OCT 10 /DNA/ – Newly elected President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), Muhammad Zakaria Akbar Zia, has announced that the Chamber will establish a Foundation and Trust for the welfare of its members. Appreciating the services of former ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari for Islamabad and the business community, he described him as a brand ambassador of the Federal Capital who has played a significant role in making the city cleaner, greener and more beautiful, while also contributing to public welfare.

He expressed these views while addressing a gathering of presidents of various markets and office-bearers of trade associations from Islamabad, led by former ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari. The delegation congratulated President Muhammad Zakaria Akbar Zia, Senior Vice President Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha, Vice President Muhammad Waqas Khan Swati, and the Executive Members on assuming their new responsibilities.

Muhammad Zakaria Akbar Zia said that Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari had rendered valuable services to Islamabad and the business community during his tenure as ICCI President and through various social and welfare initiatives. He highlighted the installation of water filtration plants, public washrooms and water coolers in different markets, the planting of thousands of trees under plantation campaigns, and the provision of computers to educational institutions among his notable welfare initiatives.

He said these measures not only provided basic facilities to traders and citizens but also helped students gain access to modern educational resources. He appreciated Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari’s efforts to make Islamabad clean and green and to improve public facilities in the city.

He said that the true quality of leadership lies in the spirit of service, which is not dependent on holding any office. He added that the new ICCI leadership would also fulfil its responsibilities for the welfare of the business community, mutual cooperation and the resolution of business-related issues.

Former ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, while congratulating the newly elected leadership, assured them of his complete cooperation and support. He said, “Islamabad should be made a dharna-free city; it should not be turned into a prison.”

He said that prolonged marches, protests and road blockages caused by containers severely disrupt business activities, inflict financial losses on traders and create serious difficulties for employees, students and ordinary citizens.

He urged the new ICCI leadership to take up the matter with the relevant administration and propose the allocation of a suitable alternative location for protest demonstrations so that the right to peaceful protest could be respected without disrupting business activity and normal life in the Federal Capital.

He said the newly elected leadership would have to take practical steps to resolve the problems of the business community, improve the business environment and protect the interests of traders.

Former ICCI President and Council Member Khalid Iqbal Malik appreciated the services of Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and expressed hope that the newly elected leadership would effectively highlight the issues of the business community and play a strong role in resolving them.

ICCI Senior Vice President Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha said that the new leadership would undertake meaningful initiatives for the business community through unity, consultation and teamwork. He added that the Chamber would continue to benefit from the experience and guidance of Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari.

ICCI Vice President Muhammad Waqas Khan Swati said that the Bakhtawari family has earned a distinct reputation for its strong association with the business community and its tradition of hospitality. He expressed hope that the new Chamber leadership would live up to the confidence placed in it by the business community.

Prominent Tarnol businessman Wajid Ayub; President Blue Area Yousaf Rajput; President G-11 Malik Naeem Awan; President E-11 Zahir Abbasi; and ICCI Executive Members Abrar-ul-Haq, Sadaf Abbasi and Nageena Khaliq, along with other business leaders, also addressed the gathering.

The speakers congratulated the newly elected leadership and paid tribute to Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari for his services to Islamabad and the business community. They said that stronger coordination between the Chamber and market trade associations could play an important role in resolving business issues and promoting economic activity.

The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts for the protection of the broader interests of the business community, improvement of facilities in markets and the economic development of Islamabad.