Islamabad, July 21, 2026: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has strongly rejected allegations that FPCCI office-bearers were involved in selling visas or facilitating human smuggling under the guise of trade delegations, describing the claims as baseless, malicious, and an attempt to damage the reputation of the country’s apex trade body.
In a statement, Sheikh said allegations reportedly made by a Women’s Chamber regarding the sale of visas and human smuggling through trade delegations had no basis in fact. He maintained that such unfounded accusations against Pakistan’s highest representative business organization were aimed at undermining the institution’s credibility.
Clarifying FPCCI’s position, Sheikh announced that the federation had no connection whatsoever with the alleged controversy. He emphasized that FPCCI neither issues nor sells visas, adding that the sole purpose of organizing trade delegations is to promote trade, investment, and business-to-business linkages while operating strictly within Pakistan’s laws and established procedures.
The FPCCI president further stated that the federation had no involvement in any alleged visa scam, human smuggling, or any other illegal activity. He reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to ensuring transparency in the selection and dispatch of Pakistan’s trade delegations.
Sheikh also clarified that FPCCI had neither submitted any visa application for the women’s delegation nor had any visas been issued on the federation’s recommendation.
He added that, under FPCCI policy, all visa recommendation letters are issued only after thorough scrutiny and on merit, while the federation strictly adheres to the guidelines and requirements of foreign embassies regarding visa recommendation letters.
