Nationwide Shutter-Down Strike Disrupts Business Across Pakistan
Business Community Protests Rising Taxes and Utility Costs
A nationwide shutter-down strike has been launched by Pakistan’s business community, protesting against escalating sales and advance taxes, exorbitant electricity bills, and the FBR’s fixed tax policy. The strike, observed in cities throughout the country, has effectively halted business activities as traders demand immediate relief from the government’s taxing policies and soaring utility costs.
Major Commercial Areas Affected
In Lahore, prominent commercial zones such as Shah Alam Market, Azam Market, and Urdu Bazaar were closed in response to the imposition of sales tax on stationery and other goods. Similarly, Akbari Mandi saw merchants shutting their shops in protest against the current tax regime. Protest banners across these markets underscored the traders’ dissatisfaction with the existing government policies.
Political Support and Exceptions
Despite the widespread participation in the strike, the Poultry Retailers Association announced its decision to withdraw from the protest. However, significant support has been garnered from political groups, with Jamaat-e-Islami notably backing the traders’ demands. The party, led by Ahmed Salman Baloch, plans to establish strike camps in various markets, including Liberty Market and Hall Road Market, to bolster support for the business community.
Traders’ Demands
Traders are calling for the abolition of the Tajir Dost Scheme and reductions in taxes within electricity bills, highlighting their frustration with the financial burden imposed by the current tax policies and utility costs.
