Ms. Qurrat Ul Ain, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), was named Chairperson of the FPCCI-UNDP Business & Human Rights Council at a launch ceremony presided over by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh.
“by embedding human rights into our operations; we not only safeguard vulnerable communities but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and resilience in Pakistan’s economy. This desk will be the catalyst for transforming challenges into competitive advantages on the world stage.”
At the same event at Federation House, President Atif Ikram Sheikh announced that FPCCI — the apex body for Pakistan’s business, industry and trade community — has established a dedicated Business & Human Rights (BHR) Desk at its Karachi head office with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sheikh said the desk will serve as a central hub for awareness, capacity-building, policy advocacy and compliance guidance, and will extend support across FPCCI’s network of 296 trade bodies, including chambers of commerce, industry associations and women’s chambers, to identify, prevent and mitigate human rights risks across supply chains.
He added that the FPCCI-UNDP BHR Desk will prioritise labour rights, environmental sustainability, gender equality and ethical sourcing to foster a business environment that balances profitability with social responsibility.
Ms. Qurrat Ul Ain highlighted the practical, market-facing benefits for members. “In today’s interconnected world, ignoring human rights risks reputational damage and market exclusion and this desk will empower our members with actionable insights and training to navigate these complexities, ensuring that Pakistani enterprises lead with integrity while thriving in global value chains.”
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President FPCCI, said the desk will help Pakistani firms meet global ESG standards, enhance export competitiveness and attract sustainable foreign direct investment. He added that the desk will collaborate with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Human Rights, the UN Global Compact and civil society to host workshops, develop toolkits and monitor implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Abdul Mohamin Khan, Vice President and Regional Chairman Sindh, FPCCI, underscored the initiative’s focus on inclusivity: “Human rights are the bedrock of sustainable development, and this desk will amplify voices that have long been sidelined in business discourse and from promoting fair labour practices to advancing gender equity in workplaces, FPCCI is paving the way for a more just and equitable private sector that benefits all Pakistanis.”
Aman Paracha, VP FPCCI; Sheikh Hammad Amjad, UNDP Consultant; and Amar Hassan, UNDP Rights-Based Development Expert, also addressed the session to explain the desk’s aims and implementation steps.
