Pakistan, July 14 -- Mounting anger is sweeping through Pakistan's industrial and trade sectors as the Businessmen Panel (BMP) of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) sharply criticized the Federal Board of Revenue's refusal to withdraw controversial tax measures, particularly the arrest powers granted under new income tax laws.

In a forceful statement on Sunday, BMP Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar warned that the entire business community, backed by all major chambers and associations, is gearing up for a nationwide agitation if the government fails to reverse the "anti-business" steps and continued enforcement of e-invoicing and harsh cash transaction penalties.

He said that the authorities have chosen a conf...