Karachi, February 26, 2026 – The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has reaffirmed its support for the principle of “one-city, one-chamber,” clarifying that the proposed Trade Organizations Rules 2013 Amendment Bill is purely clarificatory and designed to ensure unified citywide representation for Karachi.
In a statement, KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif addressed concerns raised by other trade bodies, emphasizing that the amendment does not override or dilute the Trade Organizations Act, 2013, and is intended solely to correct a structural anomaly unique to Karachi. Unlike other major cities in Pakistan, Karachi is administratively divided into seven districts, which under the current rules could lead to multiple chambers representing the city. The amendment seeks to maintain one unified chamber for Karachi, aligning it with the representation framework in cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.
President Hanif stressed that the amendment will not affect any chambers, trade bodies, or associations elsewhere in Pakistan. It is confined exclusively to Karachi to ensure effective representation of the city’s commercial and industrial community, which KCCI has served since 1959. He further clarified that KCCI has maintained strong working relationships with chambers nationwide, regularly collaborating on joint proposals and national economic advocacy.
Hanif highlighted the broader national interest, stating that institutional consistency, clarity of representation, and unified advocacy are crucial amid economic challenges. “Fragmenting representation in Karachi would dilute collective influence and create avoidable confusion. The business community nationwide will support the principle of ‘One City, One Chamber’ to preserve cohesion and effective representation,” he concluded.
Table: Key Points of KCCI Statement
| Topic | Details |
| Purpose of Amendment | Clarificatory, Karachi-specific, ensure unified representation |
| Effect on Other Cities | None; amendment applies only to Karachi |
| Reason for Amendment | Karachi’s administrative division into 7 districts |
| KCCI Position | Supports “One City, One Chamber” principle |
| Historical Context | KCCI has represented Karachi’s business community since 1959 |
| Collaboration | Maintains cordial relations with chambers nationwide |
| Broader Goal | Institutional consistency, clarity, effective advocacy |
This clarification aims to dispel misconceptions and ensure all stakeholders understand that the amendment safeguards Karachi’s business unity without affecting other chambers nationwide.