Traders announce shutter-down Strike for August 28

Traders across Pakistan have announced a nationwide shutter-down strike and mass protests on Wednesday, August 28, in response to the government’s imposition of various taxes. The strike call has garnered widespread support from several major trade bodies, including the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Central Traders Association (CTA), Sindh Traders Alliance (STA), Rawalpindi Traders Association, and other key organizations.

Karachi and Sindh Traders
The Central Traders Association (CTA) and Sindh Traders Alliance (STA) are leading the charge, calling for a strike to protest against soaring electricity costs and the continuation of Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has endorsed the strike, urging all its members to keep their businesses closed on the day of protest.

Atiq Mir, Chairman of All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, emphasized the need for unity among traders against what he described as a “cruel tax system.” Mir criticized the federal budget for imposing new taxes that have led to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and utilities, such as pulses, vegetables, medicines, books, and transport fares. He also lamented that inflation has hit both traders and ordinary citizens hard, drastically reducing purchasing power.

Mir expressed full support for the strike, which was initially announced by Markazi Tanzeem Tajran President Kashif Chaudhry. The protest is aimed at addressing the excessive charges levied by K-Electric and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). “We reject the Tajir Dost Scheme and all federal budget taxes in the larger interest of traders, the public, and the country,” Mir stated, warning of potential unrest if the government fails to address the grievances of traders and citizens alike.

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh also voiced his support for the strike, demanding the withdrawal of the Tajir Dost Scheme, as well as reductions in electricity bills and other taxes.

Rawalpindi and Punjab Traders
In Rawalpindi, the All Pakistan Traders Association has called on all trader groups to unite in a complete shutdown of the city and cantonment areas. Rawalpindi Traders Association President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha stated that traders were grappling with a financial crisis, exacerbated by crippling electricity bills. Echoing these sentiments, President of Rawalpindi Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association Mohammad Farooq Chaudhry urged the government to revisit its tax policy, stressing the need for consultations with the business community.

Another key figure, Sharjeel Mir, President of the Traders Association, highlighted the reduction in people’s purchasing power, which has adversely affected business activities. “We have reduced our expenses. Is the government ready to reduce its expenses?” he asked, emphasizing the traders’ frustration.

Mansehra and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Traders
In Mansehra, traders have also pledged to observe a shutter-down strike on August 28, joining the nationwide movement. Haroonur Rasheed, central president of one of the main traders’ bodies in Mansehra, criticized the government’s tax policies, noting that Pakistan is already grappling with historic inflation.

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Similarly, in Lower Dir, the business community, led by Anjuman-i-Tajiran Timergara President Haji Anwaruddin and General Secretary Nasir Shah, announced their full participation in the strike. The Samarbagh and Talash traders will also shut down their businesses in solidarity.

Balochistan Traders
In Balochistan, traders have also vowed to support the strike, adding to the growing nationwide protest. Representatives from the province emphasized that this strike represents a unified stand against the government’s tax policies and inflated power bills.

Background
The nationwide strike comes amid a period of high inflation and economic instability in Pakistan. Traders have voiced their opposition to the federal budget’s new tax measures, which they say have drastically impacted their businesses and the general population’s purchasing power. With traders in cities across the country joining hands, the August 28 strike is expected to bring major urban centers to a standstill.