KARACHI: Pakistan’s major cities, including Karachi and Lahore, witnessed widespread market closures on Saturday as traders observed a nationwide shutter-down strike in protest against the controversial tax measures introduced in the Finance Act 2025–26.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) spearheaded the protest, with support from key chambers such as the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders, and various industrial and sectoral associations. KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani thanked the business community for their overwhelming support, calling the strike a powerful display of unity against what he termed “harsh, impractical, and anti-business” policies.
The Finance Act’s most contentious provisions include Sections 37A and 37B, granting the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) powers to arrest taxpayers without due process, Section 21(S), which penalizes cash transactions over Rs200,000, mandatory digital invoicing (SRO 709), and the e-Bilty system under Section 40(C). Traders also called for restoring the Final Tax Regime (FTR) for exporters.
President Bilwani clarified that the strike was a last resort after repeated but unaddressed appeals to the government. He warned that if no written assurances or reforms emerge within a week, the business community will consider further actions.
The shutdown marked several firsts, including the complete closure of Karachi’s New Sabzi Mandi. Goods transporters also supported the strike, halting bookings nationwide. In Lahore and Hyderabad, major commercial hubs also remained closed, while a few smaller markets in Karachi remained partially open. Talks between trade leaders and government officials remain inconclusive
