Hanif Gohar has won election unopposed as chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan, according to an ABAD statement.
Allied Panel patron-in-chief and former ABAD chairman Mohsin Sheikhani congratulated Gohar, describing his selection as a reflection of members’ unity and confidence.
The statement, issued by Falak Almas of ABAD’s media cell, said candidates Hanif Memon and Fayyaz Ilyas withdrew in Gohar’s favour. Sheikhani thanked both for putting the association’s wider interests first.
Sheikhani welcomes members’ unanimous decision
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Hanif Gohar on his unopposed election as ABAD chairman,” Sheikhani said in the Urdu statement.
He welcomed the unanimous decision of the core committee and members regarding the association’s leadership.
“I am grateful to all respected ABAD members and candidates for honouring the core committee’s decision,” he said.
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Sheikhani said members had entrusted Gohar with the leadership through mutual agreement and trust. He added that their decision demonstrated full confidence in Gohar’s abilities and services to the association.
The statement placed particular emphasis on the agreement among members and candidates that allowed the leadership selection to proceed without a contest.
Rival candidates withdraw in association’s interest
Sheikhani credited Memon and Ilyas for stepping aside in support of Gohar.
“Election candidates Hanif Memon and Fayyaz Ilyas withdrew in favour of Hanif Gohar in ABAD’s wider interest,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to both members for withdrawing in his favour.”
He described the outcome as evidence of consensus within the builders’ organisation.
“Hanif Gohar’s unopposed election reflects consensus and trust within ABAD,” Sheikhani said.
Turning to expectations from the incoming leadership, he expressed hope that Gohar would actively address the construction industry’s concerns.
“We hope the newly elected chairman will play a strong role in resolving the construction sector’s problems,” he said.
Gohar brings previous leadership experience to the position. ABAD’s official list of former chairmen records his earlier tenure in 2015–2016.
The same record lists Ilyas as chairman during 2020–2021 and Memon from July to September 2022. Sheikhani has also headed the association during several terms.
Construction issues await new leadership
Established in 1972, ABAD represents builders and developers across Pakistan and maintains an affiliation with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Its stated responsibilities include assisting the government with housing policy, coordinating with public agencies and addressing problems members encounter during construction projects.
Recent association meetings show the range of issues facing its leadership.
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In August, ABAD discussed housing finance and Islamic financing facilities for builders with Meezan Bank. Gohar attended that meeting alongside other association representatives.
ABAD also held discussions with Sindh Police about extortion, threats, land grabbing and encroachment affecting the sector.
Those engagements provide context for Sheikhani’s call for the newly elected chairman to focus on resolving construction industry problems.
