ISLAMABAD, OCT 7 /DNA/ – In a high-level recognition of unwavering leadership and a lifelong commitment to Pakistan’s business community, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), presented a special commemorative shield to prominent business leader Mian Akram Farid.
This honor acknowledges Mian Akram Farid’s decades-long services to the FPCCI, particularly his leadership in promoting hospitality and tourism, as well as his outstanding contributions as Chairman of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Skill Development. On this occasion, FPCCI President Atif Ikram stated that as a former FPCCI Vice President, two-time In-Charge of the FPCCI Capital Office, and currently an elected Executive Member of the Pakistan Hotels Association (PHA), Mian Akram Farid’s decades-long association with the Federation reflects his dedicated efforts to resolve the issues of the Pakistani business community from the Federation’s platform. Today’s ceremony further highlights Mian Akram Farid’s extensive services and historical advocacy achievements, particularly for Pakistan’s hotel and tourism sector. He added that through world-class hospitality education and training, Farid has played a key role in building a globally competitive workforce. Under his patronage, specialized hospitality sector management training as well as comprehensive Food & Beverage (F&B) programs and courses were conducted. These key initiatives were designed to empower our workforce, transforming them into highly skilled and professional hospitality staff capable of meeting international standards.
On this occasion, FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadoon paid tribute to him while acknowledging his remarkable services. Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman Capital Office, mentioned that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had drastically increased the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) fee for the hotel industry, which caused widespread concern among hotel owners and endangered potential foreign investment. At this critical juncture, with full support from FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, Mian Akram Farid worked tirelessly to raise the issue at top government forums from the platform of the Pakistan Hotels Association (PHA), ultimately leading the federal government to withdraw the notification.
Expressing his gratitude, Mian Akram Farid warmly thanked President Atif Ikram Sheikh and FPCCI for recognizing his contributions. He emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between regional chambers, trade bodies, and the FPCCI, as well as improving service delivery to the broader business community nationwide to address industrial challenges effectively. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuously collaborate with business leaders across the country to drive economic growth, foster a competitive business environment, and support workforce development in Pakistan. He also highlighted his performance as Chairman of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Skill & Vocational Training and as the elected PHA representative to the FPCCI, where he engaged in high-level diplomacy with federal ministries, foreign diplomats, and international delegations to showcase Pakistan’s scenic tourist destinations and immense investment opportunities. He added that as an elected FPCCI Executive Member and Standing Committee Chairman, he contributed to government policy-making to align the Pakistani workforce with global standards. Furthermore, to promote economic self-reliance among women and youth, international-standard courses in modern technology were conducted, while Islamabad’s industrial sector provided them with practical training on state-of-the-art machinery.
The event was attended by FPCCI Vice President Tariq Khan Jadoon, Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, FPCCI Secretary General Brigadier (Retd) Iftikhar Opel SI(M), and distinguished Executive Members Muhammad Saeed and Saqib Taj Abbasi.
