A sharp divide has surfaced within Pakistan’s business community over the proposed nationwide strike scheduled for July 19, 2025, in protest against the government’s latest enforcement and fiscal measures introduced in the federal budget.
The split became evident after a tense press conference held by business leaders following a meeting with a government delegation led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Atif Akram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), announced that the government has formed a committee, chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, to address the business community’s concerns.
“This committee will hold detailed consultations over the next 30 days and present a consensus-based, workable solution to the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” Sheikh told reporters. He added that, with the exception of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all other chambers and trade bodies are aligned with the FPCCI’s stance.
However, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) took a hardline position. Its President, Mian Abuzar Shad, demanded the immediate suspension of controversial measures, including the arrest of businessmen, taxes on cash transactions exceeding Rs. 200,000, the deployment of tax officials at business premises, the introduction of “e-bilty” (electronic monitoring and tracking of goods), mandatory e-invoicing, and frequent changes to business codes.
Shad categorically announced that the LCCI will observe a strike on July 19, standing firm against what he called “unjust and impractical” budgetary measures.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the Islamabad meeting—chaired by Finance Minister Aurangzeb—brought together representatives from the business community, chambers of commerce, and traders’ associations. The discussions focused on Section 37A of the Finance Act 2025 and other contentious issues.
Minister Aurangzeb assured business leaders of the government’s full cooperation, emphasizing that the new measures are aimed at curbing large-scale tax fraud, not at harassing honest businesses. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.
The newly formed committee, led by Haroon Akhtar Khan, will include Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Trade Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and nominated business representatives. The committee is tasked with developing a practical, consensus-based solution within 30 days.
Business representatives voiced their concerns and suggestions openly during the meeting, with the government pledging to seriously consider all input and ensure that no undue difficulties are created for the business community during this interim period.
