Islamabad, July 3, 2026: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the CDA Officers Association have agreed to establish a joint liaison committee aimed at ensuring the timely resolution of issues facing the business community, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting sustained engagement for a more business-friendly and better-managed federal capital.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at the ICCI, where both sides agreed that the proposed committee would comprise representatives of the Chamber and the CDA Officers Association. The committee will meet regularly to deliberate on issues related to trade, taxation, urban management, regulatory affairs and civic services.
According to participants, the forum will serve as a structured mechanism for identifying key challenges faced by traders, industrialists and investors, evolving consensus-based solutions and ensuring prompt follow-up on matters affecting the business community.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said the business community was a major stakeholder in Islamabad and contributed significantly to the national economy. He noted that stronger coordination between the Chamber and the CDA Officers Association would help improve governance, ensure policy continuity and facilitate the resolution of longstanding issues confronting traders, industrialists and investors.
He emphasized the need for institutionalised dialogue and regular interaction between regulators and the private sector in order to promote a more conducive business environment in the capital.
CDA Officers Association President Aamir Shehzad said the idea of strengthening mutual engagement between the two organisations had been under discussion for some time and now needed to be institutionalised through a formal coordination mechanism.
He observed that Islamabad had faced growing administrative and regulatory challenges in recent years due to frequent changes in management and policy direction. He underlined the importance of stakeholder consultation, policy consistency and stronger representation of local voices in decision-making forums.
He also appreciated the role of ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood in raising business-related concerns and said the proposed liaison committee would provide an effective platform to address issues through mutual consultation.
General Secretary CDA Officers Association Kamran Bakht said close cooperation between the business community and regulatory institutions was essential for sustainable urban development. He observed that issues relating to encroachments, enforcement, parking management and civic amenities could be addressed more effectively through structured engagement and regular consultations.
He expressed confidence that the proposed liaison committee would help bridge communication gaps and facilitate the timely resolution of concerns raised by traders and entrepreneurs.
Chairman CDA Officers Association Riaz Khan said greater involvement of local stakeholders in policymaking would contribute to better governance, improved service delivery and a more responsive regulatory framework for Islamabad.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub said the Chamber had consistently advocated reforms aimed at promoting ease of doing business and reducing procedural bottlenecks. He said the proposed liaison mechanism would provide a useful platform for constructive engagement between regulators and the private sector, enabling both sides to work collectively towards practical and long-term solutions.
In his remarks, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry welcomed the initiative and termed it a significant step towards fostering public-private partnership in the federal capital. He expressed hope that regular coordination between the two sides would strengthen trust, improve transparency and accountability, and enhance investor confidence in Islamabad.
Earlier, former ICCI President Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between regulatory authorities and the business community.
The event was conducted by former ICCI Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry and was attended by ICCI executive members Rohail Anwar Butt, Ishaq Sial and Malik Aqeel Ahmed, senior members Israr Mishwani and Tehmas Butt, as well as office-bearers of various Traders Welfare Associations, including TWA Blue Area President Yousuf Rajput.
