Karachi, July 19, 2025 : Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Javed Bilwani on Saturday lauded the widespread support for the nationwide business shutdown. Organized by KCCI and other major trade bodies, the strike protested the “harsh, impractical, and anti-business” fiscal policies of the fiscal year 2025-26.
The complete shutdown demonstrated the economic unity of Pakistan’s business community. Bilwani emphasized that the strike was a last resort, taken after repeated appeals to the administration yielded no response. Key anti-business clauses included in the Finance Act of FY 2025-26 have created apprehension amongst taxpayers.
Traders are demanding the suspension of clauses 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, which grant sweeping powers of arrest and legal action; the withdrawal of clause 21(s), which penalizes cash transactions; and the restoration of the final tax regime for exporters. These requests were presented to a committee headed by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance, Haroon Akhtar Khan, but only verbal assurances were given, leading to the strike.
Bilwani acknowledged the participation of Karachi’s seven industrial town associations, various sectoral bodies, and trade organizations, including PHMA, Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association, and others. He also recognized the support of other chambers of commerce and industry across the country.
Bilwani termed the July 19 shutdown an initial step. KCCI will assess the progress of the SAPM Haroon Akhtar-led committee next week, expecting concrete commitments and actionable reforms. Continued inaction will be interpreted as insensitivity towards their grievances.
He warned that if significant progress or written guarantees aren’t received by the end of next week, future actions will be decided in consultation with members, stakeholders, and other chambers. While dialogue is preferred, the business community is prepared to escalate actions if their concerns remain unaddressed. They are committed to safeguarding Pakistan’s fiscal stability, but that requires traders to be acknowledged, valued, and supported.
