Pakistan’s business community remains divided over the Finance Act 2025, as FPCCI reached an understanding with the government to postpone a planned countrywide strike, while KCCI vowed to go ahead with a shutdown in Karachi on Saturday.
Friday’s high-level meeting, chaired by PM’s Special Assistant on Industries Haroon Akhtar, brought together traders’ representatives to discuss contentious provisions in the Finance Act. Progress was made, including the removal of Clause 9, a long-standing demand of traders, and a government commitment to further review Article 37A.
Following the talks, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh announced the strike was being called off, thanking the government for engaging constructively.
“We are confident that the prime minister will approve the proposed amendments. FPCCI wants resolution through dialogue, not confrontation,” Sheikh said.
A new four-member committee—including officials from the FBR, FPCCI, and the affected industry—will now address outstanding grievances and ensure a transparent follow-up process.
However, KCCI President Javed Bilwani rejected the settlement, stating that while most of their demands were verbally accepted, no written assurances were provided.
“We cannot rely on verbal commitments alone. Karachi’s business community will remain closed tomorrow, and we are prepared to extend the strike to multiple days if needed,” Bilwani warned.
Bilwani claimed support from chambers in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Peshawar, indicating that some protests may still spread beyond Karachi.
This split within the business community highlights the ongoing frustration over new fiscal measures, even as the government attempts to strike a balance between revenue generation and traders’ demands.
While the FPCCI deal has averted a full-scale nationwide shutdown, localized strikes—especially in Karachi—are expected to continue until a formal written agreement is secured.