Traders to stage protest on August 1
LAHORE: The All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran has announced to stop the dialogue process with the government over controversial issue regarding the imposition of withholding tax on bank transactions over Rs 50,000.
Traders showed annoyance, as the seven-hour-long negotiation between traders and a committee of government ended meaningless the other day. Traders said that the government seemed non-serious to tackle the issue that is creating trouble all over the country.
Due to not receiving any positive response from officials, trade unions including Anjuman-e- Tajran (Naeem Group), Qaumi Tajir Ithad (Shiekh Mushtaq Group), Lahore Traders Alliance, Anjuman-e- Tajran (Ashraf Bhatti Group), Chamber of Commerce Progressive Alliance, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lahore United Business Group and others unanimously decided to take to the streets on August 1 against the imposition of revised 0.3 percent tax on banking transactions.
Traders also urged other business communities to join hands in protest against the government. It is important to mention here that some business groups have given August 5 strike call.
Until the withdrawal of the WHT, traders will not continue any kind of negotiation with the government, the traders said.