Traders Announce Nationwide Strike on August 28 Over Tax and Power Issues

Traders across Pakistan have announced a nationwide strike on August 28 following failed negotiations with the Federal Board of Revenue. The traders demand a review of IPP agreements and reduced electricity costs. Major cities will be affected by the strike, which aims to address systemic economic issues.

Pakistan's trading community, spearheaded by the Anjuman-e-Tajiran, has declared a nationwide strike on August 28, following unsuccessful talks with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ARY News reported. Anjuman-e-Tajiran's Central President, Kashif Chaudhry, criticized the government's negotiations as a 'drama' and announced a complete shutdown from Khyber to Karachi.

Chaudhry emphasized that the strike is just a starting point for broader economic reforms. He relayed that traders are frustrated with the current tax regime and the high cost of electricity, insisting on a review of IPP agreements.

Federal Board of Revenue chairman, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, had assured traders that their legitimate demands would be addressed. However, he maintained that the Tajir Dost Scheme would remain unchanged. Langrial stated that retail and wholesale taxes are not imposed and justified the current tax structure during a virtual meeting with traders from major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, per ARY News.

(With inputs from agencies.)