Lahore(Staff Reporter); Hundreds of flour mills across Pakistan remained shut on Thursday as their owners announced an indefinite strike against the government’s move to impose a new withholding tax, exacerbating fears of a food shortage in many parts of the country,
According to the PFMA, more than 1,500 flour mills across country have halted wheat washing and flour supply after the recent announcement of observing strike. The PFMA demands withdrawal of withholding tax on the flour.
It further said small scale flour dealers were also joining the chorus of millers in lodging their protest against the government.
In line with PFA’s orders, as many as 73 flour mills in Gujranwala and more than 60 mills in Multan ceased their operations.
The PFMA spokesperson said the closure of flour mills would result in suspension of supply of 200,000 flour bags a day.
Nationwide Flour Mills Strike Causes Wheat Supply Concerns
Besides, millers in Faisalabad, Khushab, Peshawar and Quetta complied with instructions of the PFMA by locking their mills.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) on Wednesday announced strike against imposition of withholding tax by shutting down the mills for an indefinite period.
PFMA Punjab Chairman Asim Raza announced the decision of closure of flour mills, saying imposing tax on flour was unfathomable and unacceptable as it was an essential edible item used in every household of the country.
He said the flour millers would never become tax agents for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
PFMA Central Chairman Chaudhry Amir Abdullah had announced suspension of flour mills’ operations after deadlock with the government for not withdrawing the withholding tax on the flour.
“Instead of taxing the common man’s bread, the government should announce withdrawal of this unnecessary withholding tax,” he said.
He lambasted the FBR for being unable to meet grinding tax targets and leaving the masses burdened with excessive taxes.
