Nationwide traders' strike against high electricity bills, heavy taxes, IPPs and IMF pacts

Today, traders across Pakistan, from Karachi to Khyber, are observing a nationwide strike against the government's economic policies, particularly the high electricity bills, oppressive taxes, the controversial "Trader-Friendly Scheme," and IMF policies on the call of the All Pakistan Traders’ Alliance.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the strike has received broad support from various political parties, including the PTI, JUI-F, and JI, as well as associations like the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). 

The traders' strike has brought business activities to a standstill in major markets, with shops closed and streets empty across the country.

In Islamabad, a shutterdown strike is underway, with traders giving the government an ultimatum to end the “Trader-Friendly Scheme” by this evening. They have demanded the issuance of a notification for the scheme’s termination and a revision of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Kashif Chaudhary, President of the All Pakistan Traders’ Alliance, warned that if their demands are not met, the strike will be extended indefinitely, with shutter-down strikes spreading from Khyber to Karachi, city to city, and village to village. He further stated that there will be no negotiations with the government until the demands are met.

Strike in Sindh:

In Karachi, markets such as Liaquatabad, Jodia Bazaar, Light House, Bolton Market, and Tariq Road are shut down, with banners protesting the IMF's grip, rising power bills, and the government's policies displayed prominently. Lahore's major markets, including Anarkali, Nolakha Landa Bazaar, and Hall Road, have also joined the strike.

However, the Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) did not join the strike, citing a lack of consultation. Similarly, a traders group in Lahore, the Anjuman Tajran Naeem Mir Group, has opposed the strike and kept their markets open. 

In Karachi, JI held a protest demonstration in the Sher Shah area against rising inflation and electricity prices, following the call of JI leader Hafiz Naeem. The protest disrupted traffic flow as demonstrators burned tyres and garbage on the road to voice their concerns. Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Muneem Zafar, stated that the so-called “Trader-Friendly Scheme” is actually an anti-trader scheme that seeks to collect hefty sums in advance taxes.

The shutterdown strike in Shikarpur was also observed, and different markets, including Meena Bazaar, Lakhider Chowk markets, Sarafa Bazaar, Cloth Market, and Vegetable Market, remained completely closed.

In Larkana, a shutter-down strike is being observed by the Federation of Trade Associations of Larkana against rising electricity and gas prices, with all business and trade centres closed. Leader Muhammad Aslam Sheikh demanded that the government immediately withdraw anti-trader decisions.

In Hyderabad, traders also went on a shutter-down strike, closing all small and large business centres. The city's grain market, electronics market, cloth market, and Resham Bazaar were completely shut down. The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce had called for a city-wide strike in support of the nationwide protest.

In Sanghar, the Federation of Commerce observed a complete shutter-down strike following the All Pakistan Traders’ Alliance call, while business centers in Tando Allahyar remained closed per the call from Anjuman Tajran. Waqar Hameed Memon stated that the shutter-down protest was against the current government’s anti-trade policies, as the recent extreme inflation in flour, sugar, pulses, medicines, milk, and other essentials has reached unprecedented levels.

Partial strikes were observed in Kandhkot, Mithi, Thull, Daharki, and Shahdadkot, with some business centres closed. In Jacobabad, traders observed a shutter-down strike following a central call, protesting against the increase in electricity prices and oppressive taxes, with all small and large business centres closed.

Strike in Punjab:

In Lahore, most traders' organizations participated in the strike, including Anjuman Tajran Ashraf Bhatti, the All Pakistan Traders’ Alliance Khalid Pervez Group, and President Anjuman Tajran Mujahid Maqsood Butt Group. Shah Alam Market, Hall Road, inner city markets, Urdu Bazaar, New Anarkali Bazaar, and Circular Road markets remained closed. Markets on Ferozepur Road and marble factories were also shut down.

However, Old Anarkali remained open, and business continued as usual in Gulberg, Iqbal Town, Cantt, and Defence.

In Faisalabad, traders observed a strike, with major markets closed. Around the Ghanta Ghar area, the Supreme Anjuman Tajran, City Anjuman Tajran Sikka Group, Anjuman Tajran Allied Group, Grain Market, Cloth Markets, Kirana Retailers Association, Yarn Market, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chamber for Small Trades all participated in the strike.

In Gujranwala, a complete shutterdown strike was observed on the call of trader associations. All business centres, markets, and bazaars in the city, including Satellite Town, Cloth Market, Jinnah Bazaar, Urdu Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Fish Market, Arainiaan Wali Gali, Sarafa Bazaar, Dal Bazaar, Loha Bazaar, and Mobile Market, remained completely closed, with banners displayed in support of the strike.

In Rawalpindi, trader organizations continued their strike, and all small and large markets and shops remained closed due to the Central Anjuman Tajran and Central Organization of Traders Rawalpindi’s call.

In Multan, traders also observed a shutter-down strike, closing all major markets, including Cantt Market, Hussain Agahi, Gulgasht, Mumtazabad, Grain Market, and other business centers. Traders held protest demonstrations against inflation, urging the government to reduce taxes.

A nationwide shutterdown strike on the call of central Anjuman Tajran was also observed in Toba Tek Singh, as the Grocery Association, Anjuman Dukandaraan, Anjuman Aartiaan Ghalla Mandi, and Sarafa Association supported the strike.

In Bahawalpur today, traders were on a complete strike, important trade centres and markets were completely closed, and grain markets remained closed at the tehsil level, including Bahawalpur. Circular Road, Shahi Bazar, Giri Ganj Bazar, Commercial Area, and other markets closed; Model Sabzi Mandi only last day's deals. The business community protested in front of the press club.

On the call of All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran, a complete shutterdown strike of trade organisations in Chiniot, the furniture market, shops at Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Chiniot road markets, Maidan Tarkhanaan market, grain market, Gaddafi market, Churri Bazaar, Muslim Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Cloth Market, Mobile Market Yasir Plaza, and inner city markets are completely closed. On the other hand, shops are partially open at Sabzi Mandi, Sargodha Road, Jhang Road, and Lahore Road in Chiniot.

Traders in the Gujrat district also observed a shutterdown strike and remained closed to their businesses on Wednesday. All trade centres in Lala Musa, Sarai Alamgir, Kunjah, Jalalpur Jattaan, Kotla, and other areas were close.

In Sahiwal, a shutterdown strike was observed in all major and minor markets across the city. JI also held a rally to show solidarity with the trader community.

Similarly, a shutter-down strike is underway in Pattoki, with all markets, including Gol Market, Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, and Allama Iqbal Road, completely closed. Rana Mumtaz, President of Anjuman Tajran Pattoki, stated that excessive taxes are forcing traders to leave the country, and small traders are struggling to make ends meet.

For the first time in history, Renala Khurd is observing a complete shutter-down strike, with all small and large markets fully closed. Nadeem Akram, President of Anjuman Tajran Renala Khurd, urged the government not to impose taxes that would deprive shopkeepers of their livelihood.

In Pakpattan, traders observed a shutter-down strike, disrupting business activities across the city. Trader leaders demanded an immediate reduction in electricity bills.

Chakwal also observed a shutter-down strike, with all markets closed. Even hotels and all grocery stores were shut down.

Shakargarh witnessed a complete shutter-down strike, with all shops and business centres closed. Traders criticized the “Trader-Friendly Scheme,” calling it a “Trader-Enemy Scheme,” and stated they could not bear the burden of oppressive taxes anymore.

Strike in KP:

In Peshawar, a complete shutter-down strike was observed, with all commercial centres closed, including Peshawar Chowk Yadgar, Sarafa Bazaar, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Saddar Bazaar, and shops on University Road. Traders set up a protest camp at Chowk Yadgar, demanding relief from the government on electricity and gas bills and calling for a reduction in government extravagance.

Traders of the Malakand division, including Swat and Mingora, also joined the shutterdown strike, and all small and big business centres and private educational institutes remained closed. Malakand Division Trades Federation President Abdul Rahim said business has been badly affected by inflation and an increase in electricity prices. Malakand Division does not accept any kind of tax, he said.

In Haripur, a complete shutdown was observed with all business centres closed. The Haripur All Traders Association, Sarafa and Jewellers Association, Medical Stores Association, Fruit and Vegetable Association, Sweets and Bakers Association, and Poultry and Veterinary Association, along with other small and large trader organisations decided to shut down all businesses. Medical stores, fruit and vegetable markets, and Thara Bazaar were closed completely.

In Mansehra, a complete shutter-down strike is observed, with all business centres in Mansehra city, Balakot, Oghi, and Shinkiari closed. Public transport is also halted due to the strike. Anjuman Tajran Mansehra announced that the strike will continue until a decision is made by the central traders' association.

In Bannu, traders are divided over the strike, with one group supporting it while the other opposes it. As a result, some markets and shops are closed while others remain open.

Karak is also witnessing a complete shutter-down strike, with all small and large business centres closed. Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest in Saddam Chowk, demanding an immediate reduction in electricity prices and the withdrawal of taxes.

In Swabi, the shutter-down strike continues, with all business and trade centres closed. In addition to traders, all private educational institutions in the district have also announced a strike, and all private schools are closed today. The All Cars Association Swabi has also closed all its dealerships in protest.

Strike in Balochistan:

Following the call from the central organization of traders, a shutter-down strike is ongoing in Balochistan as well, with all business centres and markets closed in the provincial capital, Quetta. In some areas of Quetta, even medical stores, private clinics, and hotels were shut down.

A complete shutter-down strike was also observed in other regions of the province, including Pishin, Chaman, Zhob, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Mastung, Khuzdar, Hub, Lasbela, Nushki, Turbat, and Gwadar.

 Pertinent to mention here that the negotiations between traders and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) failed to yield any results, with traders rejecting the additional taxes on electricity bills and the "Trader-Friendly Scheme."

Yesterday, Kashif Chaudhary, President of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions of Pakistan, emphasised the traders' grievances, stating, "We can no longer bear the burden of the exorbitant electricity bills and oppressive taxes." Ajmal Baloch, President of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran Pakistan Punjab, reiterated that all businesses will remain closed until the government addresses their concerns.

Reporter: Basim Iftikhar, Rana Faran Yamin, Anusha Jafri, Hashar Ahsan, Kawash Memom, Shahzad Khan, Essa Tarin, Amir Shehzad, Taha Malik, Arshad Qureshi, Bilal Doggar, Ahmad Nadeem, Tahir Joiya, Waqar Ghumman, Abdul Jabbar Abro, Subhanallah,  Zahid Iqbal Rana, Khalid Chaudhry, Malik Shahid Tabassum, Malik Muhmmad Akmal, Noman Shah, Shakeel Sultan, Abdul Qayyum Wazir, Qaiser Bukhari, Rana Amjad Farooq, Anwar ul Haq, Abdul Khaliq Mugheri, Mohayyuddin, Mohsin Jafri, Ishtiaq Rabbani, and Rana Shahzad.