Latest news with #MuhammadJawedBilwani
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh CM to inaugurate ‘My Karachi' expo today
KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has made all arrangements to hold the 20th My Karachi Oasis of Harmony exhibition on Friday (Aug 1) at the Expo Centre. Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah has consented to inaugurate the exhibition, where more than 350 stalls have been set up to showcase a wide array of products and services being offered to buyers at discounted rates. President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, while highlighting the key features of the three-day exhibition, which will run until Sunday, August 3, 2025, noted that the event provides an ideal platform for Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements while also offering recreational and entertainment opportunities for the citizens of Karachi, who eagerly attend this annual event in large numbers. 'We are expecting over 800,000 visitors during the three days,' he stated. 'Several diplomats from friendly countries have also confirmed their participation whereas more than 20 multinationals are also participating in this year's show, reflecting the exhibition's international appeal.' He also lauded the tireless efforts of Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition & Former KCCI President Muhammad Idrees for organizing the event. Reflecting on the journey of the exhibition, President KCCI recalled that the idea was conceived in 2004 during the presidency of Late Siraj Kassam Teli, who recognized the urgent need to counter the negative portrayal of Karachi, particularly by the international media. 'We initiated the 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' exhibition to present a more accurate and positive image of our vibrant city. Since then, with the dedication of successive KCCI Presidents, this event has grown into one of the city's most significant annual showcases.' With the exception of 2020 and 2021, when the exhibition was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KCCI has consistently organized this event without any commercial motive, but rather with the vision of promoting the 'Made in Pakistan' brand and enhancing Karachi's image as a peaceful, business-friendly metropolis. Jawed expressed gratitude to the Government of Sindh, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers Sindh and other law enforcing agencies for their cooperation and support in making the event a success. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM Sindh to open 20th My Karachi exhibition today
Listen to article Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the 20th "My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony" International Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre on Friday, August 1. The three-day event will run until August 3, featuring over 350 stalls offering discounted products and services. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani said the exhibition will promote both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements. He expects over 800,000 visitors, as per a statement released on Thursday. Over 20 multinational firms and several diplomats from friendly countries have confirmed participation, highlighting the event's international appeal. Bilwani credited Chairman Special Committee and former KCCI President Muhammad Idrees for organising the event.
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Economic halt as nation strikes
Listen to article Pakistan's business and industrial community observed a nationwide strike on Saturday, protesting Sections 37A, 37B, and 37AA of the Income Tax Ordinance, which grant the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) powers to arrest defaulting taxpayers. The shutter-down strike, led by major trade bodies and industrial associations, saw thousands of markets, factories, and commercial units closed across the country in what business leaders called a unified stand against "draconian and anti-business" laws. The protest was led by major trade bodies, including the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), and various industrial town associations. It was held in strong opposition to the controversial new tax laws 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," KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani said in a statement issued on Saturday. Bilwani 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 created an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and hostility among taxpayers. The business community's key demands, which remain unresolved, include the immediate suspension of Sections 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance, which grant unchecked powers to arrest and prosecute taxpayers without due process; the withdrawal of Section 21(s), which imposes penalties on transactions made through cash, mode of payment still widely used in Pakistan's business landscape, and the restoration of the Final Tax Regime for exporters. He said these demands were conveyed in detail to the special committee formed by the federal finance minister and headed by the 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 frustration and compelled businesses to demonstrate their discontent through a peaceful and united shutdown. "The business community observed a peaceful strike to show their protest against absurd laws and express solidarity; however, the closure of business and economic activities is not in the national interest," said Sheikh Mohammed Tehseen, President of the Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI). He added that the government should repeal these oppressive laws and offer confidence and protection to businessmen and investors. President of SITE Super Highway, Masood Pervaiz, said that the business community is open to consultations with the government to enhance tax revenue and curb tax evasion without any harassment or stringent attitudes. He suggested that the government work actively with the business community towards digitisation in the economic and governance systems to achieve multiple national objectives. He also urged the government to promote ease of doing business and reduce production costs for businesses and trade in the country. President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mian Abuzar Shad, said that July 19, 2025, will go down in history as a defining day of awareness, unity, and struggle by Pakistan's business community. "Lahore has proven today that it is not just a city – it is a sentiment, a force," he said, demanding urgent revisions and clarifications on Section 37AA, implementation of the e-invoicing and e-Bilty systems, the 16% sales tax on property rent, and the 20% tax on transactions above Rs200,000. The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) also joined hands with chambers and trade bodies across the country in a complete industrial shutdown to protest the controversial arrest powers granted to the FBR. Zonal Chairman of PHMA, Abdul Hameed, along with former chairmen Shafiq Butt and Naseer Butt, announced the closure of hosiery units as part of the countrywide strike, warning that such legislation would only deepen the crisis facing Pakistan's export-oriented sectors. The PHMA leadership said the business community could no longer remain silent while draconian laws continued to erode the confidence of investors and exporters. They said PHMA's participation in the strike was not symbolic but a complete operational shutdown in protest against what they termed economic strangulation by the government's policies. Abdul Hameed expressed grave concern over Section 37AA, which gives FBR officers the authority to arrest businesspersons without due process or prior investigation, merely on suspicion of tax evasion. He said this law is a clear violation of constitutional rights and a serious blow to the already fragile industrial environment of Pakistan.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- 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
Arab News
19-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Karachi markets strike today over new tax measures seen as ‘anti-business'
KARACHI: Businesses in Pakistan's commercial capital of Karachi are observing a strike today, Saturday, to protest tax provisions in the country's new Finance Act, as a growing number of trade bodies express frustration over what they say are 'anti-business' measures that threaten to paralyze economic activity. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), which spearheaded the strike call, said dozens of major trade and market associations from across the city had endorsed the shutdown, including those representing restaurants, motorcycle spare parts, iron and steel merchants and packaging manufacturers. 'All of Karachi will be closed,' KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani said at a news conference on Friday after an emergency meeting with market leaders. 'This is just a one-day strike for now,' he added. 'But if we do not get written assurances before the next meeting, we will escalate, striking once a week, twice a week or even for entire weeks.' Bilwani said KCCI had already conveyed its concerns to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and called on the government to roll back provisions that authorize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to arrest traders, impose penalties on cash transactions above Rs200,000, and enforce mandatory digital invoicing for goods transport. 'We are the ones who keep the economy running,' he said. 'If our issues are not resolved, there will be no industry left in this country and we will take our businesses to Dubai.' Saturday's strike follows a previous warning issued by the chamber earlier this week, when it said over 50 trade associations across Pakistan had endorsed the protest. It also described the level of support as unprecedented in the country's history. Despite the broad show of unity in Karachi, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the country's top business body, said on Friday it had postponed its own plans to participate in the strike after what it described as successful talks with the government. 'FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh has announced the July 19 strike has been deferred following positive engagement with the government,' a statement from the federation said. The split reflects a growing divide within the business community, with some factions seeking negotiation while others escalate their protest campaign. Traders and transporters say the new tax provisions will burden already-struggling businesses and increase harassment by tax officials, especially in cities like Karachi, where law and order challenges, inflation and declining purchasing power have hurt commercial activity. The KCCI has insisted that only written guarantees from the government will convince traders to call off the broader strike campaign. Until then, Bilwani said, the protest will continue.
