ISLAMABAD – A nationwide strike called by traders against the additional powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is being observed today across various cities in Pakistan. While most urban centers witnessed partial or complete shutdowns, the federal capital Islamabad remained largely unaffected, with business activities continuing as normal.
The strike, initiated to protest the FBR’s enhanced authority, has divided the trader community into two factions. In Islamabad, all major markets and shopping centers stayed open, with daily commercial operations running smoothly.
In contrast, Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, and several other cities experienced a significant business halt. In Karachi, major commercial hubs including Jodia Bazaar, electronics and mobile markets, fruit and vegetable markets, and other key trading zones remained shut. President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Javed Bilwani, reaffirmed support for the strike, stating that the government had failed to provide written assurances regarding their demands.
“If there is no written implementation on our demands by the next meeting, we will widen the scope of our protest,” Bilwani warned. He also confirmed that the All Pakistan Restaurants Association and local transport unions had also joined the strike.
In Lahore, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and all factions of the Anjuman Tajiran extended their full support. As a result, prominent business areas including Shah Alam Market, Akbari Mandi, Rang Mahal, Anarkali, Mall Road, Hall Road, McLeod Road, Montgomery Road, and markets in Samanabad, Ichhra, Abid Market, Gulberg, Cantt and Defence remained closed.
Trader leader Haji Maqsood Butt declared the strike successful, saying that the trader community stands united against what he described as “unjust powers being handed to the FBR,”. He stated that any attempts to harass traders would be met with continued protests.
The similar scenes were witnessed in Hyderabad, where major markets including Anaj Mandi, Gul Centre, Tilak Chari Road, Electronics Market, Resham Bazaar and Qazi Abdul Qayoom Road observed complete shutdowns.
Some areas like Tower Market and Shahi Bazaar witnessed the partial business activity.
The reports also confirmed strikes in Peshawar, Quetta and other smaller cities across the country, where businesses remained either fully or partially closed in protest.
The traders warned of escalating movement if their demands are not met through official government action.
