Pakistan Traders Protest Against Tax Hikes and Electricity Bills

Traders across Pakistan protested against increased taxes and electricity bills following the government's new fiscal measures effective from July 1. The demonstrations, sparked by a heavily tax-laden budget and rising fuel prices, saw traders from various markets converging in major cities to voice their discontent.

In Pakistan, the start of the new fiscal year ignited protests on Monday as traders expressed their ire against heightened taxes and electricity bills. The contentious measures, part of the newly approved budget for fiscal year 24-25, have spurred widespread resentment in the financially beleaguered nation.

On June 28, the parliament ratified a heavily tax-laden budget which was subsequently endorsed by the president on Sunday, paving the way for these measures to come into effect from July 1. This financial shift followed a brief period of fuel price slashes ahead of the Eid ul Adha festival, only to see sharp hikes starting this fiscal year.

In the capital, Islamabad, traders converged at Aabpara Chowk, blocking major roads and facing heavy police presence. The protest, led by various market leaders and marked by banners and slogans, was declared apolitical by Aabpara Market General Secretary Akhtar Abbasi, who emphasized the grievances over soaring electricity bills. Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran, echoed the discontent, warning of potential future actions if the taxes are not reversed.

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