LAHORE: A nationwide shutter-down strike has been launched by the business community across Pakistan in protest against rising sales and advance taxes, inflated electricity bills and the FBR’s fixed tax policy.
The strike, which is being observed in various cities, has brought business activities to a standstill, with traders demanding immediate relief from the government’s tax policies and soaring utility costs.
In Lahore, major commercial areas, including Shah Alam Market, Azam Market, and Urdu Bazaar, remained closed as traders protested against the imposition of sales tax on stationery and other goods. The strike extended to Akbari Mandi, where merchants shut their shops in opposition to the prevailing tax regime.
Protest banners were displayed across these markets, emphasizing the traders’ dissatisfaction with current government policies.
Despite widespread participation, the Poultry Retailers Association announced its withdrawal from the strike, choosing not to partake in the protest. The Mall Road traders, Azam Cloth House Market, Badami Bagh Auto Market, and Hall Road Traders had announced a shutter-town strike.
However, the call for a strike has garnered significant support from political groups, notably the Jamaat-e-Islami, which has voiced its strong backing for the traders’ demands.
The party has announced its intention to set up strike camps in various markets, including Liberty Market and Hall Road Market, to further solidify support for the business community, as announced by its leader Ahmed Salman Baloch.
Gujranwala
A shutter-down strike is being observed in Gujranwala also on the call of the central traders organization against the increase in electricity and gas prices and the implementation of withholding tax. Various business organizations have announced to keep their centres and markets closed, with banners displayed across the city denoting the strike.
Business centres were found closed in Satellite Town, Cloth Market, Jinnah Bazaar, Urdu Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Fish Market, Araina Street, Sarafa Bazaar, Daal Bazaar, Lohewala Bazaar, Mobile Market and other business centres.
Rawalpindi
The Rawalpindi traders are also observing a strike against the Tajir Dost Scheme and other taxes, with all small and big markets and shops closed across the city. All business centres, bakeries, tandoors, hotels, general stores, restaurants, caterers, bakers association are completely shut.
The traders associations say inflation, illegal taxes increase in electricity bills have completely destroyed their businesses. “If our demands are not met, the scope of the shutter-down strike will be expanded,” they said.
Karachi
In Karachi, the country’s largest city, business activities have come to a grinding halt. All small and large markets, including Liaquatabad, Joria Bazaar, Botal Street, Old City Area, Lighthouse, Jamia Cloth, Allahwala Market, Joria Bazaar and Zainab Market, have been shut down as traders protest against expensive electricity, increased taxes, and unfavourable contractual agreements with independent power producers (IPPs).
The city’s bustling commercial hubs such as Tariq Road, Manzoor Colony, Lalukhet, Madison Market and Hyderi have also joined the strike, leaving the city’s economy at a standstill.
Balochistan
The strike extended across Balochistan, including Quetta, where all small and big business and commercial centres are closed. Traders in Quetta are demanding the abolition of the businessman-friendly scheme (Tajir Dost Scheme) and reductions in the taxes embedded within electricity bills. The traders have also demanded a review of contracts with the independent power producers.
Protests were also reported in cities like Harnai, Loralai, and Chagai, where traders closed their shops in response to increased taxation, inflation, and rising utility costs.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Swat district and Malakand, a complete shutter-down strike is being observed, with all major business centres, including medical stores, hotels, small and big industries and factories, and vegetable stores, closing their doors. The strike has also significantly reduced traffic.
Abbottabad
Similar scenes were witnessed in Abbottabad and Havelian, where small and big commercial centres are closed for the day against expensive electricity and taxes. Trade organizations have planned to hold demonstrations at various locations, amplifying their protest against the government’s economic policies.
The widespread strike underscores the growing frustration within Pakistan’s business community over the government’s tax policies and the high cost of electricity. As traders across the country unite in their demands for relief, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of this crucial economic sector.
