Business community divided: Karachi, Lahore traders observe shutter down strike

ISLAMABAD: The business community has once again split into two camps. The Karachi and Lahore Chambers of Commerce are observing a nationwide shutter-down strike on Saturday, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has distanced itself from the protest.

President of the Karachi Chamber, Javed Bilwani, said the city will observe a peaceful strike today. He claimed that the government held talks with traders but failed to provide written assurances.

“If we don’t receive written guarantees in the next meeting, we will start weekly shutter down strikes,” Bilwani warned.

Lahore Chamber President Mian Abuzar Shad echoed the stance, saying talks with the government failed because no written commitments were given.

 “All traders will protest on Saturday. We appeal to the entire business community to join the strike,” he urged.

On the other hand, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh took a completely opposite view. He said the government had shown flexibility on controversial clauses in the finance bill and sales tax act, and had taken business community concerns seriously. “After our meeting, there will be no strike anywhere in the country today,” he claimed.

“FPCCI’s role is to bridge the gap between the business community and the government,” said Sheikh, adding that the meeting’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Prime Minister for final approval.

The dispute arose over new taxes and regulatory reforms introduced in the recent finance bill, which traders say are harmful to their businesses. In recent weeks, traders across different cities have staged protests, leading the government to initiate talks.

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