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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Successful' strike conveyed a strong message: KCCI chief
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, while expressing deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the entire business community for their unwavering support and solidarity in making Saturday's nationwide shutter-down strike a success, stated that the strike, jointly called by KCCI and leading Chambers, as well as, other national trade and industry associations, was held in protest against the harsh, impractical, and anti-business taxation measures introduced through the Finance Act 2025–26. The complete shutdown of markets, industries, and commercial activities reflected a powerful message of economic unity and collective resistance by Pakistan's business community, he said in a statement issued here on Saturday. He emphasised that the strike was not an act of defiance, but a last resort adopted in response to the government's failure to address widespread concerns raised by the business community. Despite several representations and appeals, key anti-business provisions were included in the Finance Act 2025–26 that have generated an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and hostility among taxpayers. The business community's key demands, which remain unresolved, include the immediate suspension of Section 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, which grant unchecked powers to arrest and prosecute taxpayers without due process; withdrawal of Section 21(s), which imposes unjust penalties on transactions made through cash, a mode of payment still widely used in Pakistan's business Bilwani said that these demands were conveyed in detail to the special committee formed by the Federal Finance Minister and headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The business community expected meaningful outcomes based on the recommendations, and rationale submitted to this committee. However, only verbal assurances were given, which further intensified the frustration and compelled businesses to demonstrate their discontent through a peaceful and united shutdown. He extended particular thanks to the seven industrial town associations of Karachi: SITE Association, Korangi Association, Landhi Association, North Karachi Association, Bin Qasim Association, SITE Super Highway Association, and Federal B Area Association for their resolute and unified response. He also acknowledged the contributions of various sectoral organisations and trade groups including the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association, Karachi Electronic Dealers Association, Sabzi Mandi Association, Local Goods Transporters Association, Kabari Market Association, and Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation to fellow Chambers of Commerce & Industry from different parts of Pakistan whose active participation reinforced the voice of unity and economic justice. Bilwani made it clear that the July 19 strike was only the first step. He stated that the Karachi Chamber will closely monitor the progress of the Committee led by SAPM Haroon Akhtar during the coming week, particularly with regard to the incorporation of the recommendations provided by KCCI and allied trade bodies. The Chamber expects concrete commitments and actionable reforms in the shortest possible time, as any further delays will be seen as a continuation of disregard for the business community's legitimate grievances. 'If we do not see any meaningful progress or written assurances by the end of next week, we will hold urgent consultations with Members, sectoral stakeholders, and Chambers of Commerce across the country to determine the next course of action.' He said we want dialogue, not confrontation. But if our concerns continue to be ignored, we will not hesitate to intensify our course of action. We remain committed to protecting Pakistan's economy, but that cannot happen unless the business community is heard, respected, and supported. However, President Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) Sheikh Mohammed Tehseen said that closure of the industrial and trading units countrywide reflects the unity of the business community against absurd laws for giving undue powers to the tax authority. The business community observed a peaceful strike to show their protest and express solidarity; however, the closure of business and economic activities is not in the favour of national interest President SITE Super Highway Masood Pervaiz said that the businessmen community is open for holding consultation with the government for enhancing tax revenue and curbing tax evasion without any element of harassment and stringent attitude. He suggested that the government should work aggressively with the business community towards adoption of digitization in the economic and governance system to achieve multiple objectives at a national level. Also, the government should promote ease of doing business and reduce production costs for business and trade in the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Transporters too support July 19 strike call
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani while strongly reaffirming the business community's uncompromising stance against the five key anti-business measures and 32 anomalies introduced in the Finance Act 2025, urged the federal government to immediately suspend these provisions and issue a formal notification to that effect. Addressing a press conference at the KCCI on Monday, flanked by representatives from goods transporters' associations and alliances from across Pakistan who were led by Chairman Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance Malik Shahzad Awan, Bilwani made it clear that unless the government puts all these measures in abeyance, the nationwide strike scheduled for July 19 will take place with full force, bringing economic activity across the country to a grinding halt. Bilwani emphasised that only upon suspension of controversial provisions will the business community engage in any dialogue with lawmakers. He reiterated KCCI's demand for the immediate withdrawal of Sections 37A and 37B of the Finance Act, which empower FBR officials with arbitrary arrest powers; Section 21 (S), which imposes harsh penalties on cash transactions of Rs. 200,000 or more; mandatory digital invoicing under SRO 709; and the imposition of E-Bilty under Section 40(C). He also called for the restoration of the Final Tax Regime for exporters. Jawed Bilwani said that the leaders of the transporters associations have expressed unwavering solidarity with KCCI and confirmed their active participation in the upcoming strike. The transporter alliances declared their full and unconditional support, committing to remain fully aligned with KCCI's demands and to stand united until these are met, regardless of the consequences. They announced a complete wheel-jam strike, declaring that no vehicle will move on July 19, in absolute unity with the business community. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PCJCCI underscores vast potential of food-processing sector
LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCJCCI) today underscored the vast potential of Punjab's food processing sector as a cornerstone for bilateral economic collaboration and export growth under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during a think tank session held at PCJCCI Secretariat. Nazir Hussain, President PCJCCI emphasized Punjab's unmatched agricultural capacity, inviting deeper Chinese investment and technology transfer to strengthen value-addition and foreign exchange earnings. He further added that Punjab cultivates 57% of Pakistan's total cropland over 17 million hectares which supports 80% of the nation's wheat and 95% of citrus, 82% of guava, and 66% of mangoes. Brig. Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (retd) Senior Vice President PCJCCI said that the province contributes nearly 19% to national GDP, making its economy the largest of any Pakistani region. He highlighted that Punjab's food processing industry stands on the cusp of a transformative expansion—leveraging its massive raw agricultural output, strategic location, CPEC's infrastructural momentum, and access to Chinese technology and capital. With targeted policy support and international certification standards, the sector is poised to drive job creation, rural prosperity, and export diversification. Zafar Iqbal, Vice President PCJCCI stressed that more than 2,300 Chinese firms are operating across CPEC linked sectors in Pakistan, signalling strong investor confidence. He further said that CPEC Phase II includes robust cooperation in food processing, postharvest handling, cold storage, and mechanisation. He told that a Chinese agritech group, Sichuan Litong Food Co., plans a 1,000 acre pepper pilot in Multan with local processing plants in Lahore and Multan, targeting a US$3billion annual trade in processed food by 2026. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI reaffirmed China's strong interest in food sector JVs, emphasizing technology transfer to reduce post-harvest losses and boost exports. He also highlighted opportunities in fruit pulp, frozen concentrates, potato products, vegetable canning, olive and corn oil, IQF and called for leveraging SEZs like Sheikhupura's Quaide Azam Business Park. Promoting modern technologies like IQF freezing, cold chain infrastructure, precision agrimachinery, and seed development can boost the food sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Print
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
Op Sindoor: CDS contradicts Army Deputy Chief, says China support to Pakistan ‘very difficult to define'
At a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry event on Friday, Singh said, 'Pakistan was the front face. We had China providing all possible support. This is no surprise because if you look at statistics, in the last five years, 81 percent of the military hardware that Pakistan is getting is Chinese. China, of course—the good old dictum, killed by a borrowed knife … So, it would rather use the neighbour to cause pain than get involved in the mud-slinging match on the northern borders.' His comments came just days after Deputy Chief of Army Staff (capability development & sustenance) Lt Gen. Rahul R. Singh made a candid assessment in public, saying there were multiple lessons to be learnt from the 87-hour conflict, the biggest lesson being that while it was just one border, India had a minimum of three adversaries. New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan Tuesday sought to underplay Chinese support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, saying, 'How much of State support is very difficult to define'. Singh also said China was giving live updates of Indian military deployments to Pakistan. 'When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan actually was mentioning that we know that your such and such vector was primed and ready for action, and we would request you to—perhaps—pull it back. So, it was getting live inputs from China. That is one place we really need to move fast and take appropriate action,' he said. However, speaking at an Observer Research Federation event in Delhi on Tuesday, Gen. Chauhan said that there was no unusual activity on the northern borders during the conflict with Pakistan. 'Maybe it was a short conflict, but it is a fact that there was no unusual activity. The second fact is that Pakistan imports most of its weapons from China. Chinese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have a number of liabilities, so there will be people attempting to service their liabilities, and they will be there. That happens everywhere,' he said. 'Third is information—there are a number of Chinese companies also doing work for commercial imagery. You have Maxar and Planet Labs. You can go to China or the US. How much of State support is very difficult to define,' he said. China on Monday defended Beijing's 'traditional friendship' with Islamabad, saying that defence and security cooperation is part of the 'normal cooperation' between them. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Pakistan's claims 'absolutely not correct', no political constraints on armed forces: Defence secy
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Trade with Uzbekistan: FCCI says issues related to banks can be resolved on priority basis
FAISALABAD: Banks related issues could be resolved on top priority basis to give a quantum jump to the bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, said Rehan Naseem Bharara, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). In a meeting with Sarvar Abdirakhimov, Second Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, they discussed diverse issues relating to agriculture, textile, towel, hosiery, surgical goods and cutlery etc. President FCCI said that Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev was kind enough to allow the issuance of visas to the local businessmen on the recommendation of FCCI on his personal request while Uzbek Airways was also operating three weekly flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He said that middle men were exploiting the current situation due to the non-availability of proper and direct banking channels between the two countries. He said that the governments of two countries must remove these hurdles to streamline and enhance the direct trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Rehan Naseem said that he has extended an invitation to Alisher Tukhtayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to visit FCCI at a time and date convenient to him. Sarvar Abdirakhimov said that his government was offering excellent opportunities and incentives to the potential investors. He said that land would be provided particularly to the potato growers in Uzbekistan. He said that his country was also interested in enhancing cooperation with Pakistani investors in the fields of leather and meat processing etc. He said that the Uzbek President is also expected to visit Pakistan which would help in resolving the current issues at the top level. He said that a 'Made in Pakistan Expo' was held in June last year and this practice could be repeated to showcase and introduce Pakistani products in the Uzbek markets. Qaisar Shams Gucha, SVP offered vote of thanks while President Rehan Naseem Bharara decorated Sarvar Abdirakhimov with a special 'Pin' to mark the 50 Year Golden Jubilee Celebrations of FCCI. He also presented him FCCI shield and gifts. Sarvar Abdirakhimov also reciprocated by presenting a traditional dagger of his country to the President FCCI. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
