Traders across Pakistan are on strike today, protesting against the government’s new tax reforms. The strike has led to widespread business closures in major cities. Traders’ associations and political parties support the strike, highlighting their frustration with the tax policies.
Political parties backing the strike include Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Awami National Party (ANP). In Karachi, Anjuman-e-Tajiran Karachi announced a full business shutdown. Javed Shams, president of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran’s Sindh chapter, criticized the government’s leadership and policies. He declared that all businesses in Sindh would remain closed today.
The Karachi Electronics Dealers Association (KEDA) also supported the strike. KEDA President Mohammad Rizwan stated that trade unions from Karachi to Khyber are participating. He warned that the strike could continue if the issues remain unresolved.
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In Punjab, cities like Vehari, Gujranwala, and Chichawatani experienced a complete business shutdown. Major markets, including Cloth Market and Steel Market, were closed. Traders protested against what they call “cruel” taxes and high electricity costs.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar also saw significant strike action. Markets such as Sadar Bazaar and Qisa Khwani were shut. Traders in Dera Ismail Khan joined the strike, with all commercial centers closed. They protested against the tax hikes and increased power bills, setting up protest camps in front of closed markets.
In Sindh, cities like Nawabshah and Tando Allahyar saw central commercial areas and businesses close. Sindh Traders Association President Waqar Memon called the tax policies “anti-business.”
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Charsadda supported the strike, leading to the closure of all food shops and hotels. The JI had earlier announced a shutter-down strike to pressure the government into reducing high power tariffs and reviewing agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The ongoing strike underscores the need for the government to address traders’ and the public’s concerns. The business closures highlight the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further economic disruption.
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