Traders announce complete shutdown tomorrow against heavy taxes

Trade unions of Karachi, Lahore and other cities across the country have announced a complete shutdown tomorrow (August 28) to register protest against the escalating power bills, heavy taxes and FBR’s controversial schemes, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Kashif Chaudhary, President of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions of Pakistan Karachi told media that traders and industrialists of the country are disturbed over power bills and FBR’s policies.

All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran Pakistan Punjab Ajmal Baloch has said that traders and industrialists from across the country will shut their business on Wednesday against undue taxes by the government.

Ajmal Baloch said traders across the country will keep all their businesses closed tomorrow against the cruel tax and there will be no negotiation with the government. Negotiations will take place after the strike. He claimed tactics were being used to stop the strike in the name of negotiations.

Ajmal Baloch said claimed that a few government like-minded so-called business representatives were speaking the government's language. The only option left to the government is to withdraw the business-friendly tax scheme. He said if the government does not withdraw the cruel tax law, then they will announce a 2-day strike.

He said shutdown call has garnered widespread support from various trade organizations.

Kashif Chaudhary said, "We can no longer bear the burden of the exorbitant electricity bills and oppressive taxes. Our livelihoods are at stake, and we will continue our protest until the demands of the traders are not met."

He said in Karachi, the country's commercial hub, the strike has gained unanimous support from all major industrial areas. Representative bodies from Kati, Lati, Nikati, Fabati, Site, and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce have all rallied behind the call for a shutdown.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce, in particular, has been vocal in its endorsement of the strike, aligning with the concerns raised by traders across the city.

President of the Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI) Syed Raza Hussain said the rising electricity costs have become a nationwide issue. He said, “We are united in our stance that these excessive tariffs are unsustainable for businesses."

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has also thrown its weight behind the strike. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, said, "We stand with the traders in their struggle. The government must take immediate action to address these grievances."

All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran Pakistan Ajmal Baloch has said that traders and industrialists from across the country will shut their business on Wednesday against undue taxes by the government.

He said due to government’ taxes, there has been a 70% reduction in buying and selling. Where do traders pay so much tax? . He said traders are not entitled to pay Valuation Table Tax. He said instead of reducing their privileges, the rulers were increasing them. Ajmal Baloch claimed half of tax go in debt payments while half of taxes go in corruption.

Reporter: Waqas Azeem