KARACHI: Following the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has also announced a shutdown of businesses on July 19 in protest against Sections 37AA and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, unjust taxes on bank transactions, and anti-business policies.
President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has fully supported the strike, stating that FPCCI will lead the protest.
President of the Karachi Chamber, Javed Bilwani, said that businesses will remain closed on Saturday, July 19, and emphasized that the strike will be a token protest. The business community of Karachi will observe a complete strike against what they describe as anti-trader and anti-industrialist laws — particularly Sections 37AA and 37B introduced by the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue).
Following KCCI’s announcement, various trade associations and industrial organizations have also expressed their support for the strike.
Javed Bilwani declared that the business community will not accept anti-business measures under any circumstances and will stage a strong protest against Sections 37AA and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance.
He strongly criticized the extraordinary arrest powers granted to FBR officials, their unjust treatment of traders, and economic decisions made without consultation. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of these measures and warned that if the government does not meet their demands, more strikes will follow.
Bilwani further stated that the strike is being supported by the Lahore Chamber, Faisalabad Chamber, Sialkot Chamber, Rawalpindi Chamber, and other regional chambers of commerce.
He concluded by saying that the business community is willing to pay taxes with dignity, but under the current FBR powers, doing business is not feasible.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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