Karachi, July 10, 2025 – In a dramatic turn, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, shaking the country’s economic and political landscape.
The bold move comes in fierce opposition to what KCCI describes as “oppressive and anti-business” tax laws introduced under the controversial Finance Act, 2025.
KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, delivering a scathing statement, confirmed that KCCI, in collaboration with leading chambers and trade bodies, will spearhead this protest across the nation. “This is not a mere strike—it’s a loud and clear protest from Pakistan’s entire business community,” Bilwani declared. He underscored that the KCCI protest will be peaceful but resolute in rejecting laws that have triggered shockwaves through markets and business hubs.
The main grievances fueling the protest include the newly imposed Rs200,000 threshold on cash transactions, sweeping arrest powers under Section 37A, and the forceful implementation of digital invoicing and e-billing systems. According to KCCI, these measures are not only impractical but were bulldozed without proper consultation with the business community.
“The Finance Act 2025 has unleashed chaos,” Bilwani said. “It reflects zero understanding of on-ground realities. The fear, confusion, and uncertainty these tax provisions have triggered is palpable in every trading center.” The KCCI protest is being touted as a direct response to what is seen as relentless harassment by authorities under the guise of documentation.
Bilwani confirmed that a vast majority of KCCI members and hundreds of market associations across the country have thrown their full weight behind this protest. “We are not alone,” he emphasized. “From Karachi to Khyber, the protest will resonate in every market, every trade zone.”
The KCCI President reiterated the chamber’s demand for the government to immediately review and roll back the harsh provisions and instead initiate meaningful dialogue. “KCCI will not back down,” he warned. “If the government continues to ignore our call, this protest could evolve into a prolonged movement.”
This powerful stance by KCCI sends a clear message: the business community is mobilizing, and the July 19 protest is just the beginning.