GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF TRADE ORGANIZATIONS

(OFFICE OF REGULATOR OF TRADE ORGANIZATIONS)

ISLAMABAD

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F. No. 1(9)/2025-Admn

Islamabad, the 21^st January, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL USE OF NOMENCLATURE "CHAMBER" AND "ASSOCIATION"

      It is hereby informed for the information of all that the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) is the sole Regulatory Authority mandated under the Trade Organizations Act, 2013 (TOA 2013) to license and regulate trade bodies in Pakistan. Under Section 3(1) of the Act, no organization can operate as a trade body without a license from the Federal Government.

      Under Section 5, Subsection (3) of the TOA 2013, the use of the words "Federation", "Chamber", or "Association" in the name or title of any entity is STRICTLY PROHIBITED unless such entity is duly licensed and registered with the DGTO.

      It has come to the notice of the Regulator that various groups and individuals, are operating illegal bodies using these protected titles.     

      It is clarified that the exemption under the Proviso to Section 5(3) applies ONLY to bodies formed for promoting Art, Science, Religion, Charity or Sports. It DOES NOT APPLY to any group engaged in Trade, Commerce, Industry, or Services.

      All such unauthorized entities are directed to CEASE AND DESIST immediately. Failure to comply will result in strict penal action under the TOA 2013, including fines, personal liability and disqualification from any registered trade organization.

      The business community is advised NOT to become members of such unlicensed bodies as they hold no legal status. Please verify the license status of any trade body from Directorate General of Trade Organizations before interaction.

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