The business community appeared split today regarding a strike against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) enhanced powers under the Finance Act 2025. While the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has postponed its protest following discussions with the government, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has vowed to proceed with the strike.
According to a statement from FPCCI, President Atif Ikram Sheikh announced the decision to postpone the strike after “successful talks” with government representatives. Speaking to the media on Friday, Sheikh stated, “The meeting with the government was positive, and there will be no nationwide strike. Chambers from all over Pakistan are with us on this issue.” Reflecting on the meeting, he added, “The government listened to the concerns of the business community in a good way.”
Meanwhile, Ajmal Baloch emphasized that this was the first time the FPCCI and the Traders’ Association were in complete agreement. “The issues will be resolved in a month; there is no need for a strike now,” Baloch remarked, also indicating that traders, the FPCCI, and all chambers would ensure a larger-scale strike if needed.
However, KCCI President Javed Bilwani stated that the chamber, supported by various industrial and traders’ associations, would proceed with the strike. This decision stems from the government’s failure to provide written assurances regarding the resolution of key concerns under the Finance Act 2025. As reported by The News on Saturday, these concerns include the FBR’s powers of arrest under Section 37A and restrictions on cash payments exceeding Rs200,000.
A statement issued by the KCCI declared, “Government’s words are not credible; a strike will be held on Saturday (today).” Bilwani further elaborated, “The committee is not ready to give what it said in writing. If the government does not give it in writing, we will hold more strikes.”
Earlier, during a press conference following a meeting with the government’s special committee chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan, Bilwani acknowledged that while most of the business community’s demands had been verbally accepted, the absence of a formal written guarantee prompted the decision to proceed with the strike. “We are observing a one-day strike,” he stated, warning, “If we do not receive written confirmation by the next meeting, the strike will escalate — first to one day a week, then two, and possibly for weeks.”
In related developments, President of the Lahore Chamber Mian Abuzar Shad announced that businesses in Lahore would remain closed today, citing that “the government’s promises were not credible.” Furthermore, traders in Hyderabad are also observing a strike against the new tax laws, resulting in the closure of major markets and commercial centers across the city.
