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The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has announced a peaceful nationwide strike on Saturday, July 19, to protest against new tax policies introduced in the Government’s Finance Act.
KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani said the decision was made after consultations with chambers, trade bodies, and stakeholders across Pakistan.
“This is not just a strike by KCCI alone. All major chambers across the country have joined hands and extended their full support, making this a unified national protest by the business community,” President KCCI stated.
The strike has gained support from chambers of commerce and various trade and industrial associations across the country.
Traders are raising concerns over several key issues, including the Rs. 200,000 income threshold and limit on cash transactions, the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) power to arrest under Section 37A, and the mandatory use of digital invoicing and e-billing systems. Business groups argue these steps are making it harder to run operations smoothly.
“These measures, introduced without genuine consultation, are grossly impractical and anti-business in nature, They reflect a lack of understanding of ground realities and will only further deteriorate economic activity, discourage compliance, and drive businesses into the informal sector.” Bilwani stated.
The strike call comes after KCCI’s meeting with a senior federal minister earlier this week which failed to resolve the concerns.
“KCCI stands firm with the business community and will continue to raise its voice to protect economic interests and ensure a fair, enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Bilwani said, warning that the strike period may prolong if the government fails to resolve this issue as per aspirations of the business community.
