North Karachi Trade Leader Hails July 19 Strike as Historic Success

Faisal Moiz Khan commended traders, industrialists

and the business community across Pakistan

for their unified, peaceful protest

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Faisal Moiz Khan, President of the North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry (NKATI), has fully endorsed the recent statement by Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, lauding the nationwide July 19 shutter-down strike as a “historic success.”

In a press release issued on Saturday, Faisal Moiz Khan commended traders, industrialists, and the business community across Pakistan for their unified, peaceful protest against what he described as anti-business taxation measures introduced under the Finance Act 2025–26.

Protest Against Harsh Tax Laws

Khan highlighted Sections 37A and 37B of the Income Tax Ordinance — which allow for arrest and prosecution of taxpayers without due process — as deeply alarming. He also called for the withdrawal of Section 21(s), which penalizes cash transactions, and demanded the restoration of the Final Tax Regime for exporters.

Despite repeated appeals and formal submissions to the special committee led by SAPM on Finance Haroon Akhtar Khan, Khan said the business community received only “verbal assurances,” further fueling discontent.

Karachi’s Industrial Zones Stand United

He expressed special appreciation for the seven major industrial associations of Karachi — SITE, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, Bin Qasim, SITE Super Highway, and Federal B Area — for ensuring full strike participation. He also thanked trade bodies such as PHMA, Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association, and others for amplifying the business community’s voice.

Future Plan Hinges on Government Response

Faisal Moiz Khan warned that the July 19 protest was “just the first step.” He said NKATI and allied associations would monitor the government’s response in the coming week and, if no written commitments are made, would begin consultations for further action.

“We do not seek confrontation, but if our concerns continue to be ignored, we will escalate. The business community must be heard, respected, and supported,” he concluded.