Islamabad: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has said that the Chamber is determined to play a proactive role in resolving the issues of the business community while also promoting women and youth empowerment for inclusive economic growth. He said ICCI is pursuing the establishment of a dedicated Industrial Zone for Islamabad, as the existing industrial areas are already over-occupied and unable to meet the growing needs of businesses. He added that the Chamber is in contact with the Punjab government for allocation of land at the nearest possible locality to facilitate the industrial sector.
He emphasized that along with industrial development, empowering women entrepreneurs and youth-led startups is vital for driving innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring sustainable development. ICCI, he added, will extend full support to initiatives that strengthen women leadership and entrepreneurship.
He expressed these views while talking to visiting delegations of the Computer Hardware Association of Pakistan (CHAP), the Renewable Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP), Pakistan Alternate Energy Association (PAEA), and the Bahria University Event Club.
A twenty-member delegation of CHAP led by its Chairman Khawar Idrees along with others congratulated the newly elected ICCI leadership. They apprised the President about the crucial issues facing their members, especially related to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), customs duty and taxation.
Similarly, a fourteen-member joint delegation of REAP and PAEA headed by Syed Usman Ali also met ICCI President and highlighted the pressing challenges facing the renewable energy sector, particularly the discouraging raids of FBR on their setups. They also stressed the urgent need of a dedicated Industrial Estate for the Islamabad business community.
In another meeting, a delegation of Bahria University Event Club headed by its President Duha Tanveer apprised Sardar Tahir Mehmood about their upcoming three-day event on “Women Leadership” scheduled from 14 to 16 October 2025. She sought ICCI’s collaboration to promote women entrepreneurship.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood appreciated the initiative of Bahria University students and reaffirmed ICCI’s fullest support for their event, terming it a positive step towards building future women leaders.
Senior Vice President ICCI Tahir Ayub, Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, executive members and a large number of members were also present on the occasions.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
