KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) have joined forces to confront the escalating economic challenges faced by the business community.
During a high-level meeting held at the KCCI on Tuesday, both chambers expressed strong opposition to the controversial Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025 and called for the formation of a national alliance of chambers under an inter-chambers harmony committee to amplify their collective voice and press the government for urgent pro-business reforms.
This consensus was reached during the RCCI delegation’s visit to the KCCI to strengthen ties and chart a unified path forward.
Chairperson of the Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, who joined the meeting via Zoom, emphasised that fragmentation among chambers has historically undermined their influence.
“We must raise a unified voice and work collectively to address the widespread challenges facing the business community,” he stressed. Referring to controversial government directives such as SRO709, SRO350, and the Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, Motiwala warned that such policies are fostering an environment of harassment and uncertainty.
He proposed the formation of an inter-chambers harmony committee, comprising representatives from all chambers nationwide, to hold regular monthly meetings to deliberate on common economic issues. “Nearly 80 per cent of the budget recommendations from all chambers highlight similar concerns. Instead of submitting them individually, we must consolidate our voices through this committee and present a united front to the government,” he suggested.
KCCI President Jawed Bilwani echoed the need for unified advocacy. “Unless we act in solidarity, these issues will persist and worsen under continued anti-business policies,” he warned, citing the Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025 as a prime example.
Bilwani also voiced concerns over the economic impact of Pakistan-India tensions, which are raising doubts among foreign buyers about the timely fulfilment of export orders. He underscored the alarming flight of capital driven by regressive tax policies, noting that many businesses moved to the UAE last year alone. “The government’s claim of creating a digital, faceless FBR contradicts its actions. Empowering FBR officials to enter business premises will only increase harassment and corruption, negating efforts to create a tax-friendly environment,” he asserted.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat affirmed that the challenges being faced are shared by all chambers, necessitating a collective and strategic response. “The business community must act together. The government thrives on a divide-and-rule approach; we must break this pattern by collaborating consistently,” he emphasised.
He called for a charter of economy that includes measures to rebuild investor confidence, reverse capital flight, and encourage the return of skilled professionals. “Nationalism must be demonstrated to counter despair and negativity with constructive action,” he added.
While acknowledging some improvements in economic indicators such as rising remittances, declining inflation, and a recent 1 percentage point cut in interest rates, Shaukat maintained that the cost of doing business in Pakistan remains unacceptably high due to persistently steep taxes, energy prices, and borrowing costs.
He appreciated the evolving role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), noting that its new focus on domestic investors alongside foreign investment is a welcome development. The RCCI president invited the KCCI’s leadership and managing committee to participate in the RCCI’s flagship All Pakistan Chambers Conference, aimed at in-depth deliberations on national economic issues and future strategies.
RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf insisted that the business community must remain apolitical and demand resolution of issues based solely on merit, both within government structures and apex bodies like the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). “The future of Pakistan hinges on industrialisation, yet this area is being neglected. We have turned Pakistan into a consumer market instead of a producer,” he added.
To institutionalise cooperation, Altaf proposed that the RCCI and KCCI explore signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to coordinate efforts on shared economic goals. “If these two major chambers come together, it will inspire others to follow suit. Let’s act for the collective interest of the business community,” he concluded.