Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:Pakistan’s business community appeared deeply divided on Friday over a proposed nationwide shutter-down strike, with the Karachi and Lahore Chambers of Commerce confirming their participation while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) opted out.In a press conference, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Balwani formally announced a nationwide one-day shutter-down strike for Saturday. “This will be the first phase of protest,” Balwani said, indicating the strike could escalate if their demands remain unmet.He revealed that although productive talks were held with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, a consensus could not be reached due to a lack of formal documentation. “We asked for written assurances and minutes of the meeting, but nothing was provided,” he stated. “We consulted all stakeholders before taking the final decision.”Lahore Chamber President Abuzar Shah also endorsed the move, confirming Lahore’s participation in the strike to protest the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) expanded powers and recent taxation measures.
