Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani on Thursday threatened citywide or nationwide strikes over “oppressive” measures in Finance Bill 2025-26, particularly amendments that broaden the powers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
In a statement, the KCCI said it had formally launched a protest against the federal budget by displaying banners against it across Karachi, particularly the insertion of Section 37AA in Sales Tax Act. “This is just the beginning,” warned Bilwani. “The protest will escalate, press conferences will follow not only by KCCI but also by other major chambers across Pakistan. And if our demands are ignored, we may be left with no option but to call for citywide or even nationwide strikes,” he said.
“I appeal to the entire business community, especially small traders, to stand united with KCCI if such a call is made,” he urged.
Criticizing Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for describing the budget as “public-friendly” and “business-friendly,” Bilwani claimed this was contrary to reality. “Industrialists and exporters across the board are unanimous; there is absolutely no relief in this budget. How can the finance minister keep making such claims when no one in the business community supports them?” he questioned.
Lamenting the state of Pakistan’s business environment, the KCCI president noted soaring energy costs, substandard electricity, gas shortages, water unavailability, and delayed tax refunds as paralyzing liquidity. “Exports are not thriving because of any government policy,” he said, claiming international buyers were urging businesses to shift operations to foreign countries where conditions were “stable, sustainable, and truly pro-business.”
Describing Section 37AA as a “draconian” law, Bilwani said it empowered the FBR to freeze bank accounts, seize funds, and arrest taxpayers based merely on suspicion. “Is this a fair thing to do? Who will continue to do business in such a hostile climate?” he questioned, claiming businessmen had asked the KCCI to form a committee to guide them on how to relocate their businesses abroad. “But we are still here. We want to stay, we want to contribute, and we want the prime minister and the government to hear us and give us the confidence we need to make sound business decisions,” he said.
The KCCI president has claimed the grievances reflect the views of businesses nationwide, warning the chamber would not hesitate to call for strikes with the people’s support. “Instead of consulting chambers and associations, the authorities prefer to meet only their handpicked favorites,” he lamented, accusing the FBR of ignoring the Business Anomalies Committee, which includes presidents of chambers and trade bodies from across the country.