Lahore (Web Desk): The traders across Pakistan are observing a nationwide strike on Wednesday against rise in electricity costs and new taxes imposed by the government.
The development comes after a meeting of trader representatives with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to express their dissatisfaction with the Tajir Dost Scheme.
Due to the shutter down strike, all, markets, shopping centres will remain closed across the country, traders have demanded to end the Tajir Dost Scheme and withholding tax.
Political parties include Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Awami National Party (ANP) are backing the strike.
Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, the office-bearers of two major groups of traders - All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran and Markazi Anjuman Tajiran - expressed their resolve to observe a shutter-down strike across the country. They categorically said they would not back out of the strike call, adding rumors were being spread regarding traders' negotiations with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
As per the reports, there is mixes reaction to the strike as some traders’ associations have distanced themselves from the strike.
Leading markets are closed but several businesses are fully operational as per normal routine.
In Lahore, the presidents of the traders’ associations of Landa Bazar, Urdu Bazar, Anarkali and other markets are in favour of keeping the market closed.
However, traders associated with Anjuman Tajiran (Naeem Mir Group), have opposed the strike and announced to open the markets.
President Shahdara Board Khalilur Rehman and Senior Vice President Hall Road have announced the opening of the market, apart from this, President Punjab Retailers Poultry Association has distanced itself from the strike.
President Badami Bagh Auto Market, Chairman Ferozepur Road have also announced to observe strike.
Meanwhile, the president of All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran Sindh today announced his full support for the shutter down strike and said that business will remain closed today in all small and big cities of Sindh.
“We reject the increase in taxes and electricity bills,” he said.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is also supporting strike by shutting down businesses, to force the government to withdraw Tajir Dost Scheme and inflated bills.
In Peshawar, the traders have also closed the markets while the traders’ unions have demanded that the hike in electricity prices be withdrawn and the tax rate reduced.
Announcing support to traders' strike, JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said a successful shutter-down strike will be observed from Karachi to Khyber.
He expressed optimism that the traders' organizations would show unity in their ranks, adding people are not ready to bear the burden of free electricity and luxuries enjoyed by the rulers.
The traders’ representatives said that all trade organisations from Karachi to Khyber are supporting this strike.
They threatened to extend the strike for an indefinite period if the government does not resolve their issues.