ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has elected Abbas Sarfaraz Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) as its new Central Chairman for the 2024-2026 term, following a setback to the Lahore Group in the election of its candidate, Faisal Ahmed Mukhtar. This came after the Directorate General of Trade Organisations (DGTO), an arm of the Ministry of Commerce, declared the election of Faisal Ahmed Mukhtar as PSMA Central Chairman null and void.
Last week, the DGTO ruled that the election of Faisal Ahmed Mukhtar for the 2024-2026 term was invalid, directing the PSMA to conduct a fresh election for the position of Central Chairman by all members of the PSMA Executive Committee.
The DGTO’s decision followed a complaint filed by Rizwanullah Khan, Chairman of the KPK Region and a member of the PSMA Central Executive Committee, against Asim Ghani Usman, former Chairman of PSMA. The DGTO, in its ruling, stated that it was exercising powers delegated under Section 22(2) of the Trade Organizations Act, 2013, to address the complaint.
This marks the first time that PSMA has experienced significant divisions over the election of its Central Chairman. The Lahore Group had strongly supported its own candidate for the position, but the rotation policy, which gives priority to candidates from different provinces, led to Abbas Sarfaraz Khan’s election from KPK instead.
A well-regarded figure in the sugar industry, Mr. Khan is known for his vast experience, leadership capabilities, and in-depth knowledge of agriculture, trade, and advanced sugar production practices. He also served as a former federal minister and has earned a reputation for his expertise in these fields. Ends
