Traders observe partial shutter-down strike across Pakistan against FBR taxes

Lahore/ Karachi/Peshawar: Key markets in Karachi and Lahore remained closed following a strike call issued by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Although the federal government had reached an agreement with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) regarding the extension of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) powers, both the Karachi and Lahore chambers upheld their decision to go ahead with the strike.

In Karachi, major commercial areas—including the Old City markets, Zainab Market, and various markets in the North Karachi Industrial Area—remained shut in response to KCCI's strike call.

KCCI President Javed Balwani, during a press conference Friday night, had announced a peaceful one-day strike, warning that if the government failed to issue a written order accepting their demands, the protest would expand further.

In contrast, business activities continued as usual in Peshawar and other cities. The Peshawar Chamber postponed its strike, rescheduling it for August 15. The situation has revealed a deep divide among business communities over the prospect of a nationwide strike.

It is worth noting that internal disagreements emerged within the trader community over the FBR’s extended powers. While the FPCCI distanced itself from the strike, the Karachi and Lahore chambers remained firm in their stance.

Although the government succeeded in persuading the FPCCI, it failed to win over the major city chambers, which have now warned that they may escalate the protests if their demands are not formally accepted in writing.