Pakistan, July 14 -- The Finance Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has invited all chambers and trade associations nationwide for a negotiation meeting on July 15. This comes ahead of a planned nationwide strike announced for July 19 by the traders.

Speaking at the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce in Karachi, Aurangzeb said he will listen to all chambers' concerns and explain the government's position. He urged all trade bodies to review the current laws thoroughly before the meeting.

He clarified that the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) expanded powers do not relate to income tax but target sales tax fraud. Arrests for irregularities over five crore rupees require approval from the FBR Commissioner or a three-member FBR ...