PSMA leadership dispute escalates amid allegations of unlawful election

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LAHORE: A senior member of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has contacted the Prime Minister, which he expresses concern in the name of “illegal change” under the leadership of the Association, and accused of violating regular and constitutional provisions.

In a formal complaint, PSMA Sindh Zone leader Rizwanullah Khan has claimed that the recently elected central chairman of the association, Zaka Ashraf, has been in office without following the procedures described in the rules of trade organizations, 2013, and PSMA’s association. The letter urges the Prime Minister to take notice that the complainant has called for a “clear violation of the law and the proper action”, which claims that these measures have hampered the PSMA’s justification and the danger of compromising its issues with government agencies.

The main focus of the issue revolves around the executive committee headed by Zaka Ashraf, who is allegedly meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Food Security and is allegedly holding all PSMA issues without legal authority.

This, according to the complaint, is taking place on May 13, 2025, despite the ‘amended interim order’ issued by the Directorate General Trade Organization (DGTO), which restricts costs only to the necessary activities – such as salaries of employees and normal operational costs.

According to the complaint, the PSMA made its last government election in November 2022, which was monitored by the Election Commission, which included representatives from all zones.

The complaint further alleged that without the new elections for the 2023-24, Ashraf’s group appointed a backed chairman and held elections after the term expired. Rajanullah claims that Article 18 (F) of the Rules of Trade Organizations, the Association of 2013 and Rule 18 (F) of Article 18 (F) has been violated, which requires a 15 -day notice period for the elections and at least 50 % quorum in the normal body.

Rizwanullah says that the previous electoral cycle was completed in accordance with the law, the Election Commission report was formally submitted to the Director General of the Director General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), in which the final was finalized under Rule 19 (4). He argues that no parallel choice can be made without the directive of the DGTO to restructure the Election Commission.

The complaint also challenged Zaka Ashraf’s eligibility under Rule 15 (5) (E) of the 2013 rules, which disqualifies any person who completed two conditions as an office bearer in the commercial body. Rizwanullah has claimed that despite these restrictions, the assumption of Ashraf’s post has created an illegal situation and has demanded the government to separate Ashraf -led group from representation of the PSMA.

When contacted for the comment, Ashraf dismissed the allegations: “These are unfounded and without merit. After the elections were not held for two years, I was elected unopposed.”

Asim Ghani Usman, a senior PSMA official, also defended recent developments. He claimed that he was poor in the previous elections and a nominee was rejected to hold positions simultaneously, indicating a new vote to interfere with the general body and restore the association’s constitutional work.

Former PSMA chairperson Asim Ghani Usman observed that the previous elections have issues related to eligibility. He said that Alexander Khan’s nomination was rejected because he was already serving as chairperson of KP Chapter, and was disqualified. Subsequently, a chairperson was appointed with a backed notification, which was also done incorrectly. Subsequently, an AGM and the general organization chose another chairperson.

A member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern that the panel led by Zaka Ashraf had ignored the rules and regulations established by the association. Another senior member expressed his clear view, saying that there was no doubt about the illegal PSMA’s current ruling group, which he said was not only violating the constitution of the association but also violating the directives of other institutions.