Allegation That the Women’s Chamber Sold Visas and Engaged in Human Trafficking Under the Guise of a Trade Delegation Is Baseless: FPCCI President

Such Fabricated Allegations Against the Country’s Apex Trade Organization Are Malicious and a Deliberate Attempt to Damage the Institution’s Reputation: Reaction

ISLAMABAD (News Reporter): President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Atif Ikram Sheikh has strongly condemned allegations of human trafficking and the sale of visas against FPCCI officials in the name of a trade delegation.

He said that the allegation that the Women’s Chamber sold visas and engaged in human trafficking under the guise of a trade delegation was baseless, adding that such allegations against the country’s apex trade organization were malicious and a deliberate attempt to damage the institution’s reputation.

In a statement, Atif Ikram Sheikh announced FPCCI’s complete disassociation from the alleged controversy and said that FPCCI neither issued nor sold any kind of visas. He said the purpose of trade delegations was solely to promote trade, investment and business relations, adding that FPCCI was committed to operating in accordance with the laws of the country and established regulations.

The FPCCI president further said that FPCCI had no connection whatsoever with any alleged visa scandal, human trafficking or any other illegal activity. He said FPCCI remained committed to sending Pakistani trade delegations with transparency.

He said that FPCCI had neither applied for visas for the women’s delegation nor had any visa been issued on the recommendation of FPCCI.

He said that, under the policy, all visa recommendation letters were issued after complete scrutiny and on merit, adding that FPCCI strictly followed the instructions of all embassies regarding visa recommendation letters.