KCCI, transporters call nationwide strike on July 19 over Finance Act 2025

Pakistan’s business and transport sectors have announced a nationwide strike on July 19 to protest against key provisions of the Finance Act 2025, warning of a total shutdown of economic activity unless the federal government suspends what they call "anti-business" tax measures.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) made the announcement Monday at a press conference held at its headquarters. KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani issued a direct ultimatum to Islamabad, demanding an immediate reversal of five controversial provisions.

“We are left with no option,” Bilwani said. “The government must issue an official notification suspending these measures or the strike on July 19 will go ahead, and it will be total.”

Bilwani criticized five specific clauses in the Finance Act 2025, calling them damaging to trade and industry. These include:

1. Immediate withdrawal of Sections 37A and 37B, which allow FBR officers to arrest taxpayers without due process.
   
2. Abolition of Section 21(S), penalizing cash transactions over Rs. 200,000.
3. Suspension of mandatory digital invoicing under SRO 709.
4. Withdrawal of E-Bility requirements under Section 40(C).
5. Restoration of the Final Tax Regime (FTR) for exporters, which was recently replaced.

Flanked by top transport leaders, including Malik Shahzad Awan of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance and Malik Shabbar Khan of the United Goods Transport Alliance, Bilwani stressed the joint resolve between the business and logistics sectors.

“On July 19, not a single vehicle will move across the country,” Awan declared. “We are with the business community — unconditionally and unequivocally.”

Bilwani added that over 50 associations nationwide have formally endorsed the strike. Protests are already taking place in several cities, as frustration grows over what is seen as a harsh and regressive tax policy.

“This isn’t just about Karachi — this is about economic survival across Pakistan,” Bilwani said.

Despite ongoing talks with the Ministry of Finance, Bilwani stated that no assurances have been given about suspending the disputed measures. “We have asked for these measures to be put in abeyance until a mutually acceptable solution is found,” he said. “Until that happens, the strike will proceed.”

Bilwani also criticized the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and questioned the Finance Minister’s leadership. “The FBR’s Enforcement Wing has failed to explain how many new taxpayers have been brought into the net,” he said. “And the Finance Ministry must now ask itself: is this approach helping or hurting Pakistan’s economy?”

Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG), echoed Bilwani’s concerns. “We are not in the business of disrupting the economy,” he said. “But when policies threaten the foundations of business itself, we have no choice.”

With chambers of commerce, traders, and goods transporters aligned, July 19 could become a pivotal day for Pakistan’s economy — unless the government rolls back the most disputed elements of its fiscal policy.