KATI Declares Solidarity with Nationwide Business Strike

KARACHI: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has declared its full support for a nationwide peaceful strike set for July 19, organized by the business community and spearheaded by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Junaid Naqi, President of KATI, stated that the decision to strike is both timely and justified, reflecting the sentiments of the business community accurately. Naqi criticized the government’s recent fiscal measures, introduced in the Finance Act, labeling them as anti-business and damaging to the economic landscape.

Naqi highlighted specific grievances including restrictions on cash transactions, arbitrary arrest powers, and the imposition of digital invoicing, which he described as alarming for businesses. He expressed concern that these unilateral decisions by policymakers, made without stakeholder consultation, are pushing the economy toward informality and disorganization.

He called on the government to review and amend the controversial clauses of the Finance Act and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the business community. Naqi emphasized that organizations linked to industry and commerce, including KATI, stand united in this peaceful protest to signal to the government that the interests of the business sector cannot be overlooked.

“This is more than just a protest,” Naqi added. “It is a collective struggle to safeguard the economy, and the entire business community is united in this cause.”