A comprehensive shutter-down strike has been initiated by Pakistan’s business community to protest against escalating sales taxes, advance taxes, inflated electricity bills, and the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) fixed tax policy. The strike, which has significantly disrupted business operations nationwide, reflects the widespread dissatisfaction with current economic policies and their impact on trade.
Traders Plan Nationwide Shutterdown on August 28
Lahore
In Lahore, several key commercial districts, including Shah Alam Market, Azam Market, and Urdu Bazaar, have come to a halt. Traders have shut down their shops in protest against the new sales tax imposed on stationery and other goods. The strike has also affected Akbari Mandi, with merchants joining the protest against the current tax regime. Protesters have displayed banners highlighting their grievances about the government’s tax policies.
Despite the widespread participation, the Poultry Retailers Association has opted out of the strike, choosing not to participate in the protest. Areas such as Mall Road, Azam Cloth House Market, Badami Bagh Auto Market, and Hall Road Traders have adhered to the shutter-down call.
Political backing for the strike has been strong, with Jamaat-e-Islami lending its support. The party, led by Ahmed Salman Baloch, plans to set up strike camps in prominent markets like Liberty Market and Hall Road Market to bolster the business community’s demands.
Gujranwala
In Gujranwala, the central traders’ organization has called for a shutter-down strike against rising electricity and gas prices, along with the enforcement of withholding taxes. Business centers throughout the city, including Satellite Town, Cloth Market, Jinnah Bazaar, Urdu Bazaar, and Rail Bazaar, have been closed. Banners across these areas signal the traders’ opposition to the increased financial burden.
Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi has seen a similar response, with traders protesting against the Tajir Dost Scheme and other taxes. Business activities across the city, including bakeries, hotels, general stores, and restaurants, have come to a complete stop. Traders argue that inflation, excessive taxes, and soaring electricity bills are crippling their businesses. They have warned that the scope of the strike will expand if their demands are not met.
Karachi
In Karachi, the country’s largest metropolis, the strike has caused a significant slowdown in business activities. Markets such as Liaquatabad, Joria Bazaar, Botal Street, and Old City Area have been shut down. Traders are voicing their concerns over high electricity costs, increased taxes, and problematic agreements with independent power producers (IPPs). Major commercial hubs like Tariq Road, Manzoor Colony, Lalukhet, Madison Market, and Hyderi are also participating in the strike, leading to a significant economic standstill.
Balochistan
The strike has also reached Balochistan, with business centers in Quetta and other cities such as Harnai, Loralai, and Chagai closed. Traders in Quetta are demanding the removal of the Tajir Dost Scheme and reductions in taxes embedded within electricity bills. They are also calling for a review of contracts with independent power producers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the districts of Swat and Malakand are observing a complete shutter-down strike. Major business centers, including medical stores, hotels, industries, and vegetable markets, are closed, significantly impacting local traffic and commerce.
Abbottabad
Similar scenes have been observed in Abbottabad and Havelian, where commercial centers are closed in protest against high electricity bills and taxes. Trade organizations in these areas are planning demonstrations to amplify their opposition to the government’s economic policies.
The nationwide strike underscores the growing frustration within Pakistan’s business community over the government’s economic strategies and the high costs associated with doing business. With traders across the country uniting in their demands for relief, the pressure on the government to address these issues is mounting.
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