KARACHI – A dispute has emerged between two major business bodies as the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) announced the postponement of a nationwide strike scheduled for Saturday, while the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) insisted on going ahead with its protest.
The FPCCI, following discussions with government officials, stated that key concerns raised over the Finance Act 2025 and the Sales Tax Act had been addressed, leading to the decision to call off the strike. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that after receiving verbal assurances from federal authorities, the business community agreed to defer the strike. He added that all chambers across the country were united in this decision and warned that any individual calls for protests do not represent the collective position of the business sector.
However, the KCCI has refused to back down. KCCI President Jawed Bilwani said that although some of their demands were heard, the absence of written commitments from the government was unacceptable. He reiterated that businesses in Karachi would observe a complete shutter-down on Saturday and hinted at the possibility of extending the protest if concrete steps were not taken by the authorities.
Bilwani emphasized that traders and businessmen had been consistently demanding clarity and formal documentation regarding the withdrawal of certain clauses in the Finance Act that they believe are detrimental to small businesses and traders. He maintained that mere verbal commitments were insufficient.
The conflicting positions have led to confusion within the business community, especially among traders in Karachi and other major cities. While FPCCI’s announcement aims to restore stability, KCCI’s firm stance signals growing frustration over perceived government inaction.
Business leaders have urged the government to provide written assurances to prevent further unrest and avoid a deepening rift within the country’s commercial leadership.
