MULTAN: Central Organization of Traders Pakistan is staging a nationwide shutter-down strike, protests, and rallies today against the increase in electricity bills, anti-trader schemes, and inflation.
In Multan, protests will take place at the following locations: 10:00 AM at Sabzi Mandi Multan, 11:30 AM at Chowk Hussain Agahi, and 12:30 PM at Nawan Shehar Chowk. Traders’ leaders from Multan and South Punjab will participate, including presidents of various markets.
Central Chairman Khawaja Suleiman Siddiqui stated that when the situation becomes intolerable, traders will be forced to protest and strike. He criticized the FBR’s spending of billions on 22,000 employees and demanded that the government collect 4 billion rupees instead of 1 billion from traders but protect them from the FBR. He expressed these views during a meeting with market presidents preparing for the shutter-down strike.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Central Organization of Traders Pakistan, Sheikh Akram Hakeem, addressed that a complete shutter-down will occur nationwide, including in Hussain Agahi Circle Road Electronics Market, Medicine Market, and Ghanta Ghar. If the government fails to address the issues, further action will be considered.
Other prominent figures participating in the protest include Sheikh Javed Akhtar, Khalid Mahmood Qureshi, Javed Akhtar Khan, Rana Muhammad Owais Ali, Malik Qaiser Iqbal Kamboh, Rao Liaquat Ali, Choudhry Abdul Hamid Jutt, Sheikh Tahir Arshad, Aslam Siddiqui, Ghulam Moheed Din, Khawaja Anees Rehman Siddiqui, Yaqoob Rajput, Choudhry Shahbaz Akhtar, and Malik Shahid Bhutta.
The traders’ leaders expressed full confidence in Khawaja Suleiman Siddiqui and confirmed that all affiliated traders will participate in the strike and distribute pamphlets to raise awareness about the strike’s goals. They have also started awareness campaigns through banners, flexes, and social media.
Khawaja Suleiman Siddiqui added that for the past 15 years, the IMF representatives have been drafting the budget, depriving them of the right to create their own. While they are not opposed to paying taxes, they insist on fair rules and regulations.
They reject the FBR’s harsh methods and claim that traders across Pakistan will unite for a complete strike on August 28, from Karachi to Peshawar and Quetta to Qalat. He praised the unity of trader organizations and promised that their efforts would not go in vain. If demands are not met, the strike could extend beyond a single day.
