Across Pakistan, a nationwide strike has been observed by traders protesting against increased taxes and soaring electricity and gas bills, as reported on Wednesday.
Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Traders’ Association, stated that negotiations with the government are currently nonexistent. Consequently, a countrywide strike has been called, resulting in markets from Karachi to Khyber being closed.
On Tuesday, Kashif Chaudhry, the Central President of Anjuman-e-Tajiran, criticized the government’s negotiation efforts, calling them a ‘drama’ and declaring that the strike would continue. He emphasized the traders’ unified stance on demanding lower electricity rates and a reassessment of Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements. Chaudhry stressed that the strike is aimed at correcting the economic system.
In response, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), assured that the traders’ ‘legitimate’ demands would be considered. However, he confirmed that the Tajir Dost Scheme would remain in place.
FBR’s Response to Traders’ Concerns in Virtual Meeting
In a virtual meeting with traders from cities like Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, and Peshawar, Rashid Mahmood Langrial promised that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would address all reasonable demands from the traders. However, he made it clear that the Tajir Dost Scheme will not be canceled.
Langrial also mentioned that Pakistan is unique because it doesn’t charge retail and wholesale taxes. He added that it is unfair to tax the weaker people more than the stronger ones.
