Karachi, July 19, 2025 – In a major development, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Friday declared that there will be no strike on July 19, following fruitful negotiations with the federal government over the controversial tax clauses introduced in the Finance Act, 2025.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, joined by representatives from multiple regional chambers—including Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Quetta, Khanewal, Multan, and Bajaur—confirmed that the government had accepted the key demands of the business community and agreed to withdraw the most contentious tax provisions.
“There will be no strike anywhere in the country tomorrow,” announced Atif Ikram Sheikh, adding that the outcome of today’s talks reflects mutual understanding and a commitment to economic stability. “The government has shown flexibility and accepted all major concerns raised by the business community,” he stated.
The FPCCI chief revealed that the recommendations finalized during the meeting will be formally presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will grant final approval. However, the government’s willingness to address the concerns has already led to the postponement of the previously planned strike.
“All chamber heads from across Pakistan—including Faisalabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Sargodha, Peshawar, and Quetta—have unanimously agreed to postpone the July 19 strike,” Atif Ikram Sheikh confirmed.
He emphasized that the unified voice of the business community has led to a positive outcome and urged traders and markets across the country to continue normal operations.
However, a split within the business community surfaced when the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held a separate press conference. KCCI officials claimed that since the government did not provide any written assurance, the chamber would proceed with the scheduled shutter-down strike in Karachi.
This divergence has raised concerns of mixed responses across various regions, but FPCCI maintained that the broader consensus from the majority of Pakistan’s chambers is against the strike, calling instead for continued dialogue and cooperation with the government.