Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and major goods transporters alliances from across Pakistan have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for July 19, in a strong protest against what they call anti-business provisions in the Finance Act 2025.
At a press conference held at the KCCI headquarters on Monday, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, joined by transporters’ leaders including Malik Shahzad Awan, Chairman of Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, issued a final call to the federal government: Withdraw the five controversial provisions and 32 anomalies in the Finance Act, or face a complete shutdown of economic activity across the country.
The strike will go ahead with full force unless the government suspends these unjust laws and issues a formal notification, warned Bilwani.
Key demands from KCCI include:
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Immediate withdrawal of Sections 37A and 37B, granting arbitrary arrest powers to FBR officials.
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Removal of Section 21(S), which penalizes cash transactions above Rs. 200,000.
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Suspension of mandatory digital invoicing under SRO 709.
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Elimination of E-Bilty requirements under Section 40(C).
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Restoration of Final Tax Regime for exporters.
Flanked by KCCI office-bearers and representatives of nearly all major transporter associations, including United Goods Transport Alliance, Sindh Goods Truck Trawlers Owners Association, Karachi Goods Carrier Association, Car Carrier Association, and Fleet Operators of PakistanBilwani stressed that no dialogue with lawmakers will take place until these measures are held in abeyance.
Transport leaders pledged full solidarity, declaring a complete wheel-jam strike with no vehicle movement nationwide on July 19. We are united with the business community and will not back down, said Malik Shabbar Khan, Patron-in-Chief of United Goods Transport Alliance.
KCCI President revealed that while the Ministry of Finance has reached out for dialogue, no official notification has been issued, and the strike will not be postponed without clear action. We are ready for negotiations, but only after these laws are suspended, Bilwani reiterated.
Related: KCCI Announces Nationwide Peaceful Strike on July 19 to Protest Anti-Business Laws
Responding to questions about nationwide support, he confirmed that over 50 associations from across Pakistan have formally backed the strike, and protests have already begun in several cities.
Taking aim at the Finance Ministrys leadership, Bilwani questioned whether the current team was delivering positive results. Theres growing dissatisfaction. Its time for the government to reassess whether its approach is fixing the economy or deepening the crisis, he said, also slamming the FBR Enforcement Department for failing to provide data on new taxpayer additions despite repeated KCCI requests.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of Businessmen Group (BMG), echoed these sentiments, stating that while strikes are not the business communitys preferred route, circumstances have left no other choice. He underscored the KCCIs mandate to seek economic stability and sustainable growth, but criticized the government’s lack of constructive response.
The press conference concluded with a unified call to action, as both business and transport leaders vowed to stand together until their demands are met. The July 19 strike is now shaping up to be one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in recent history, marking a critical turning point in the countrys economic and political dialogue.
