It should be noted that the July 19 strike was the first step. We will closely monitor the performance of the special committee
Staff Reporter, Daily Dawn, Dawn TV Report
Karachi: I, Faisal Moiz Khan, President North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, strongly support the leadership and grateful message given by Mr. Muhammad Javed Balwani, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and pay my heartfelt tribute to the traders, industrialists, and business community across the country for the resounding success of the historic strike on July 19.
This protest strike, which took the form of a complete nationwide shutdown, was actually a unanimous and peaceful protest against the cruel, unrealistic and anti-business tax measures implemented through the Finance Act 2025–26.
We have repeatedly conveyed our concerns and suggestions to the government, but unfortunately our words were not taken seriously. In particular, laws like Section 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, which empower taxpayers to be arrested and prosecuted without any legal process, are tantamount to creating an atmosphere of utter injustice and fear. Along with this, cruel penalties have been imposed on cash transactions through Section 21(s), which is still a common practice in Pakistan. We also demand the restoration of the final tax regime for exporters.
We submitted all these demands in writing to the special committee formed under the supervision of the Finance Minister, headed by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Haroon Akhtar Khan. But alas, we were given only verbal consolations, which increased our disappointment and we had to resort to the path of protest.
I would like to specially thank the seven industrial associations of Karachi, SITE, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, Bin Qasim, SITE Super Highway, and Federal Bay Area, for their unity and solidarity in making this strike a success. I am also grateful to all the trade organizations including Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association, Karachi Electronic Dealers, Sabzi Mandi, Kabadi Market, Local Goods Transporters, and Petroleum Dealers Association, who added their voices to ours.
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