Traders observe nationwide shutter-down strike today

The business community is observing a shutter-down strike nationwide today (Wednesday) against the government’s tax reforms with the support of a few political parties and trade associations.

Political parties, including JUI-F, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Awami National Party (ANP), declared their support for the business community.

Prior to the strike, on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, Rashid Mahmood, had met traders at FBR headquarters, where the business community representatives expressed their discontent regarding Tajir Dost Scheme, which was implemented in April.

Chairman FBR expressed willingness to resolve this issue. “We are ready to amend the Statutory Regulatory Order to resolve their concerns,” he said.

Mahmood further said the Tajir Dost Scheme aims to bring the retail sector under the tax net, but "it could not be withdrawn".

“We have no choice but to bring the retail sector under the tax net,” he added.

Moreover, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), appealed to its members for full support of the shutter-down strike by closing businesses.

Explaining the reasons behind the strike, he said it aimed to pressure the government to withdraw the Tajir Dost Scheme and reduce electricity bills and other taxes.

The Central President of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran, Kashif Chaudhry, described the strike as a step towards stabilising the economy. 

He said the business community wanted a reduction in electricity prices, a revision of the agreement with IPPs, and over-loaded taxes.

The shutter-down strike is being observed in all major cities of Pakistan, including business hub Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, and Peshawar.