The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have reaffirmed that the nationwide shutter-down strike scheduled for July 19 is still on and has not been called off.

FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Nisar said consultations with the business community are still underway and that a final decision on any changes to the strike strategy will be taken later today.

However, he underscored that the call for the strike stands firm for now.

KCCI President Javed Bilwani also categorically rejected rumours suggesting any postponement, confirming that the nationwide shutdown scheduled for Saturday will go ahead as planned.

He stressed that neither cancellation nor delay is under consideration at this stage.

Bilwani further stated that all necessary preparations have been completed and that the strike decision was reached after consultations with leading chambers of commerce across all four provinces.

Any decision to defer the protest, he added, would only be made in coordination with these chambers.

He also condemned those spreading misinformation, saying such individuals have no links with the strike effort.

The planned protest has been organised in response to recent tax reforms and other challenges confronting the business community and has received widespread backing from traders across the country.