LAHORE – A strike is being observed today in Karachi and Lahore following calls by the Karachi and Lahore chambers of commerce in protest against the expanded powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
However, divisions within the business community have surfaced, indicating that several markets may remain open despite the strike.
In Karachi, the deadlock between the government and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) remained unresolved as the government has declined to provide a written assurance to the traders.
As a result, key commercial hubs including Jodia Bazaar, fruit and vegetable market, Saddar Electronics Market, Sarafa Bazaar, and Lighthouse have shut down in response to the strike call.
Differences have also emerged between the Karachi chamber and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stated that negotiations with the government were successful and announced there would be no strike, highlighting a split within trader ranks.
In Lahore, major wholesale and business centers are closed following calls by the Anjuman-e-Tajiran and other trade bodies. Markets such as Akbari Mandi, Badami Bagh auto market, Loha Market, Shah Alam Market, Lohari Market, and Brandreth Road are all observing the shutdown.
Organizations such as the Pakistan Steel Traders Association and Gunpat Road Paper Market have also backed the strike, while the Textile Traders Association has suspended commercial activity on Mall Road.
Although many large retail markets and brand outlets are continuing operations as normal.
Trader organizations are demanding a rollback of FBR’s expanded powers and an end to the alleged harassment of the business community.
They have warned that if the government does not provide a written commitment, the protests will be widened in the coming days