Karachi, July 19, 2025 — The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday declared the countrywide shutter-down a “resounding success,” terming it a united stand against the unjust and anti-business taxation measures introduced through the Finance Act, 2025.
The strike was organized in collaboration with key Chambers of Commerce and various trade associations to protest what KCCI called harsh, impractical, and damaging provisions threatening the economic stability and survival of legitimate businesses.
KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani extended deep gratitude to Karachi’s entire business fraternity for their “unshakable resolve and unprecedented unity” during the strike. According to him, the complete shutdown of markets, industries, and transport networks sent a “loud and clear message” to the government regarding the growing discontent in the business community. This strike, he emphasized, marked a significant milestone in KCCI’s campaign to protect entrepreneurs and taxpayers from arbitrary taxation and unchecked regulatory powers.
Bilwani clarified that the strike was not meant as a confrontation, but rather a desperate attempt to be heard after repeated government inaction. “Despite multiple appeals and representations, critical concerns raised by KCCI were ignored. The Finance Act 2025 contains several provisions, especially Sections 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, that allow arrests without due process. These are unacceptable,” he said.
He also criticized Section 21(s), which penalizes transactions conducted in cash—a common and unavoidable mode in Pakistan’s trade economy. The KCCI and its allied bodies have also demanded the restoration of the Final Tax Regime for exporters to prevent added layers of compliance that disrupt export growth.
Bilwani noted that the strike was sparked by mere verbal assurances given by the special committee headed by SAPM on Finance Haroon Akhtar Khan, without any actionable outcome. “This strike was a wake-up call. It’s now up to the government to act.”
The KCCI president commended the industrial zones of Karachi—SITE, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, Bin Qasim, SITE Super Highway, and Federal B Area—for their steadfast participation. He also praised trade groups such as the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Karachi Electronic Dealers Association, and the Local Goods Transporters Association for their support.
Reiterating that this was just the beginning, Bilwani warned that if KCCI’s concerns remain unaddressed, a second, more widespread strike may be inevitable. “The KCCI does not seek conflict,” he said, “but if this silence continues, we will be compelled to escalate our peaceful resistance.”