Traders across Pakistan have agreed to defer their planned nationwide strike for 30 days following successful talks with the federal government. The breakthrough came after the government promised to form a high-level committee to address concerns regarding Section 37A of the Finance Act 2025.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting in Islamabad, which was attended by major trade bodies, business associations, and chambers of commerce. The minister assured traders that the law’s intent is to prevent tax evasion, not to target honest businesses.
To ensure fair consultation, the government will establish a committee led by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. Other members will include the Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, PM’s Trade Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, FBR Chairman, and selected representatives from the business community.
The committee will hold thorough consultations over the next 30 days and will present a mutually agreed-upon proposal to the Prime Minister and the federal cabinet. During this time, all strike actions will be put on hold.
Traders had expressed serious concerns about Section 37A, particularly regarding its impact on financial transactions. The government acknowledged these worries and pledged to ensure that no extra burden is placed on compliant businesses.