Karachi, July 19 -- Pakistan's business community remains divided over a planned nationwide shutter-down strike as chambers in Karachi and Lahore have announced closure, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has decided to stay away from the protest, ARY News reported.

The strike, called in opposition to the enhanced powers of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and new taxation measures, has split major trade associations. While some have endorsed the protest, others have opted for dialogue with the government, ARY News said.

Addressing a press conference, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javed Balwani announced that all business centers across Karachi will remain closed on S...