Pakistan’s business community has strongly protested against the Finance Act 2026 and the proposed provincial labor policy, calling these measures harmful to businesses. They have announced a nationwide strike on July 19 to voice their concerns.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) stated that major trade organizations across the country are supporting the strike. KCCI President Javed Balwani said the decision came after wide consultations with chambers, associations, and business groups worried about increasing harassment and arbitrary actions.
Balwani highlighted controversial budget measures like the Rs. 200,000 cash transaction limit, arrest powers under Section 37A of the Sales Tax Act, and mandatory digital invoicing. He warned that these steps are impractical and unfair, pushing more businesses into the informal economy.
Similarly, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also pledged to join the strike. LCCI leaders criticized Section 37A, extra taxes on bank transactions, and Punjab’s proposed labor policy, calling them anti-business and detrimental to investment and employment.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said these new policies will damage businesses, increase unemployment, and destroy investor confidence. He revealed that 21 multinational companies have already left Pakistan due to the worsening business environment.
Both KCCI and LCCI warned that if the government ignores the business community’s concerns, the strike could expand further, sending a clear message about rising dissatisfaction with the government’s tax policies and economic management.