**Business Community Announces No Strike Nationwide, Welcomes Government’s Decision to Withdraw Disputed Tax Provisions**
In a major development for Pakistan’s business sector, the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has announced that there will be no strike by the business community across the country. This decision follows a meeting of a special committee and fruitful discussions with the government, during which disputed clauses in the Finance Bill and Sales Tax Act were withdrawn, addressing several concerns raised by business leaders.
During a press conference after the special committee meeting, Sheikh clarified that all chambers nationwide support FPCCI’s stance on the matter. While there were some initial disagreements within their ranks, all parties agreed on a unified position following the meeting. Highlighting the FPCCI’s role, Sheikh emphasized the organization’s function as a bridge between the business community and the government.
The government, according to Sheikh, attentively considered all the community’s reservations and has shown significant flexibility, withdrawing the controversial tax clauses after extensive consultation. He added that all of the business sector’s demands were accepted, and the recommendations from the meeting will be submitted to the Prime Minister for final approval.
As a result of these decisions, Sheikh categorically stated that no strikes will take place anywhere in the country. If there are any calls for protest, he clarified, such actions would be individual and not representative of the collective stance of the business community.
Senior Vice President of FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, reiterated in his remarks that there is no strike planned by business circles nationwide. He noted satisfaction with the government’s step to withdraw disputed tax provisions, which had been a major source of concern.
Meanwhile, Ajmal Baloch, President of the Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan, highlighted the unprecedented unity between FPCCI and the traders’ association on this issue. He shared that the government had assured them of resolving all pending matters, with solutions expected within a month. Accordingly, Baloch stressed that there is no immediate need for a strike, though he warned that a large-scale protest could still be organized by all chambers and trade bodies jointly if required.
The consensus between the government and business community is being viewed as a positive signal for the country’s economic stability and a demonstration of effective dialogue to resolve critical economic issues.
