Pakistani Traders Announce Nationwide Strike Against Tajir Dost Scheme

Pakistani traders have called for a nationwide strike on August 28 to oppose the Tajir Dost scheme by the Federal Board of Revenue. They demand the reversal of high tariffs and removal of higher tax brackets, highlighting discontent with government policies.

The trader community in Pakistan has declared a nationwide strike on August 28, opposing the Tajir Dost scheme introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue, ARY News reported. During a joint news conference with other trade associations, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran demanded the discontinuation of the Tajir Dost scheme, calling it 'unacceptable.'

Traders have urged the government to reverse the decision on high tariffs imposed on the export sector and remove the scheme immediately. Additionally, they have called for the abolition of higher income tax brackets for both business owners and salaried individuals. Earlier, the merchants announced they would not pay their August electricity bills and called for a review of government contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), reported ARY News.

Notably, the FBR has extended the Tajir Dost scheme to 42 cities. Initially limited to six major cities, the scheme now includes Abbottabad, Attock, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Ghotki, Gujarat, Gwadar, Hafizabad, Haripur, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Jhang, Jhelum, Karachi, Kasur, Khushab, Lahore, Larkana, Lasbela, Lodhran, Mandi Bahauddin, Mansehra, Mardan, Mirpurkhas, Multan, Nankana, Narowal, Peshawar, Quetta, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Sukkur, and Toba Tek Singh. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)