If these unfair policies of the government lead to closure of businesses, the economic downturn will increase, says Senior Vice President LCCI
Staff Reporter,Daily Dawn, Dawn TV Report
Karachi: The country’s business community has announced a nationwide strike on July 19, expressing strong reservations over the anti-business measures included in the Finance Act 2026 and the proposed provincial labor policy.
Pakistan’s major chambers of commerce announced on Thursday that they will observe a nationwide strike on July 19 to protest against the anti-business measures included in the Finance Act 2026 and the proposed provincial labor policies.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said that the strike is being carried out in collaboration with prominent trade organizations and chambers across the country.
KCCI President Muhammad Javed Balwani said that the decision was taken after extensive consultation with chambers, associations and the business community, who have expressed concern over the increasing harassment and arbitrary acts.
He said that this is not just a protest by KCCI but a common national stand of the entire business community.
Javed Balwani pointed out some controversial measures included in the budget, including a limit of Rs 2 lakh on cash transactions, powers of arrest under Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act and mandatory implementation of digital invoicing and e-billing.
He warned that these measures are impractical, unfair and will push businesses further into the informal economy.
Javed Balwani said that these measures were implemented without consultation, which has spread fear among traders, small businesses and industrialists.
Most KCCI members have supported the strike, while major market associations across the country have also assured full cooperation.
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