KARACHI: The Director-General of Trade Organisations (DGTO) has declared the elections of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) null and void.

According to an order issued by the DGTO, the elections have been annulled under Section 14(3)(f)(iii) of the Trade Organisations Act (TOA), 2013. The regulator has directed that new elections be conducted under its supervision within 60 days. The order further states that the regulator has recommended to the secretary of the Ministry of Commerce the appointment of an administrator under Section 16 of TOA, 2013, to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

The secretary-general of the KCCI has been instructed to immediately issue voter lists for both the Corporate and Associate classes. According to the order, a compliance report on this matter must be submitted within seven days of its issuance. “Failure to comply will result in further regulatory action under Section 14 of TOA, 2013, which may include the possible suspension of the KCCI’s licence,” the order warns.