Govt regulator cracks down on unlicensed use of “Federation,” “Chamber,” “Association”

The Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), Ministry of Commerce, warned on Thursday individuals and groups against the illegal use of protected trade body titles such as “Federation,” “Chamber,” and “Association.” The DGTO reminded the public that it was the sole regulatory authority mandated under the Trade Organizations Act, 2013 (TOA 2013) to license and regulate trade bodies in Pakistan. The regulator cited Section 3(1) of the Act, and emphasized that no organization can operate as a trade body without a license from the federal government. The DGTO further pointed to Section 5(3) of TOA 2013, stating that the use of the terms “Federation,” “Chamber,” or “Association” in the name or title of any entity is strictly prohibited unless the entity is duly licensed and registered with the DGTO.