A nationwide strike announced for July 19 under the leadership of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in protest against controversial clauses in the Finance Bill 2025. The decision initially backed by transporters, various chambers across the country, and associations of small traders. However, after a delegation of traders met with Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Tuesday, the situation shifted, and consensus on the strike began to unravel due to internal disagreements.
Who Is Still Committed to the Strike?
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) remains firm on its decision to go ahead with the strike. Protest banners have already been put up across different parts of the city. KCCI President Muhammad Javed Balwani has categorically denied all rumours about the strike being cancelled or postponed, stating clearly that the strike on Saturday, July 19, will take place as scheduled and will not be called off under any circumstances.
KCCI has released a list of supporting organisations, which includes:
- SITE Association
- Korangi Association
- Landhi Association
- North Karachi Association
- Bin Qasim Association
- SITE Super Highway Association
- Federal B Area Association
Other groups endorsing the strike include: - Local Goods Transporters Association
- Vegetable Market Association
- Scrap Market Association
- Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association
- Karachi Electronic Dealers Association
- Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders
Textile and manufacturing associations supporting the strike include:
- Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers
- Knitwear & Sweater Exporters
- Textile Processing Mills
- Ready-Made Garments Association
- Pakistan Soap Manufacturers
- Plastic Importers
- Yarn Merchants
- Flour Mills Association
Other sectors joining the strike:
- Self-Adhesive Tape Traders
- Machinery Merchants
- Denim Manufacturers
- Auto Spare Parts Association
- Karachi Tyre Dealers
- Motorcycle Dealers
- Shopkeepers Welfare Society (Iqbal Shopping Center)
Retail and wholesale market bodies participating:
- Restaurant Association
- Bolton Market Traders Union
- Motorcycle Spare Parts Association
- Pakistan Tea Association
- Iron & Steel Merchants
Markets and areas showing support for the strike include:
- Arambagh Market Alliance
- Flexible Packaging Association
- Saddar, Jodia Bazaar, Tariq Road, Hyderi, Korangi, DHA, Nishter Road, Malir, Landhi, Quaidabad, Orangi Town, among others.
Who Is Opposing the Strike?
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce have officially disassociated themselves from the strike. These opposing trade bodies have stated that the government has assured them their concerns will be addressed, hence they see no justification for a strike.
, in protest against controversial clauses in the Finance Bill 2025. The decision initially backed by transporters, various chambers across the country, and associations of small traders. However, after a delegation of traders met with Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Tuesday, the situation shifted, and consensus on the strike began to unravel due to internal disagreements.){kind=link}