Islamabad, July 17, 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-powered committee to resolve concerns related to the Finance Act, 2025 ahead of scheduled strike on July 19, 2025.
The committee has been formed in response to a nationwide shutter-down strike announced for July 19, 2025, spearheaded by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The Ministry of Finance officially notified the formation of the committee on the instructions of the Prime Minister. The initiative is aimed at engaging with stakeholders and finding workable solutions to the controversial tax measures that have triggered widespread calls for protest. The business community has been voicing serious objections to the recent tax reforms, prompting the KCCI and allied trade bodies to call for a countrywide strike.
The committee has been tasked with examining and proposing remedial measures to address grievances stemming from the Finance Act, 2025. It is comprised of key government officials and prominent representatives of the business sector:
1. Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the PM on Industry and Production – Chairperson
2. Mr. Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue – Secretary
3. Mr. Rana Ahssan Afzal, Coordinator to the PM on Trade – Member
4. Mr. Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue – Member
5. Mr. Atif Ikram, President, FPCCI – Member
6. Mr. Jawaid Bilwani, President, KCCI – Member
7. Mr. Ikram-ul-Haq, Representative, Sialkot Chamber – Member
8. Mr. Muhammad Ayub Mariani, President, Quetta Chamber – Member
9. Mr. Fazal Muqeem, President, Sarhad Chamber – Member
10. Mr. Abuzar Shad, President, Lahore Chamber – Member
11. Mr. Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, Former SVP, FPCCI – Member
12. Mr. Rehan Naseem, President, Faisalabad Chamber – Member
The committee has been directed to hold its first meeting on Friday, July 18, 2025, and submit recommendations within 30 days. It is also empowered to co-opt additional members if necessary for effective decision-making.
The finance division emphasized that the committee’s mandate is to build consensus and create space for negotiation, with the aim of avoiding the looming strike. The first meeting is expected to focus on core concerns, including the applicability of new tax provisions on small and medium enterprises.
Despite the government’s outreach, KCCI has reaffirmed its intention to go ahead with the strike on July 19, citing a lack of prior consultation over the legislation. Business leaders say that unless practical relief is announced, the strike will proceed as scheduled.
The formation of this high-level committee reflects the government’s urgency in addressing economic disruption, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring stability through dialogue instead of confrontation.