In a unified protest against the government’s recent tax reforms, traders across Pakistan have launched a nationwide strike today, supported by various traders’ associations and political parties. The strike has garnered the backing of key political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Awami National Party (ANP).
Karachi’s Traders Lead the Charge
In Karachi, the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Karachi announced a complete shutdown of business activities. Javed Shams, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran’s Sindh chapter, declared, “The political leadership has failed,” as he expressed full support for the strike. Shams emphasized that all businesses in Sindh’s cities, both large and small, would remain closed today. He condemned the government’s tax and electricity bill hikes, stating, “[We] reject the hike in taxes and electricity bills.” He further criticized the “Trader Friendly Scheme” as unacceptable in its current form, accusing the ruling class of stripping the business community and the public of their right to live.
The Karachi Electronics Dealers Association (KEDA) also backed the strike, with KEDA President Mohammad Rizwan affirming that all trade unions from Karachi to Khyber are participating. Rizwan warned that if the government’s actions remain unaddressed, the strike’s duration could extend. All Karachi Traders Union President Atiq Mir described the strike as one driven by the citizens rather than just traders, highlighting widespread concerns over inflation.
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Join the Strike
In Punjab, cities like Vehari have seen all business centers closed in response to the Central Traders Association of Pakistan’s strike call. Major markets in Gujranwala, including Cloth Market, Steel Market, and Sanitary Market, have shut down, with the city’s mobile phone association also endorsing the strike. The president of the association criticized the government for imposing what he termed “cruel taxes” on traders.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar has also been significantly impacted, with traders’ organizations shutting down various markets, including Sadar Bazaar, Shafi Market, Qisa Khwani, and Khyber Bazaar. In Dera Ismail Khan, all commercial centers have closed following support from local traders’ associations and committees.
Sindh and Other Regions Stand in Solidarity
Traders in Sindh’s cities, including Nawabshah and Tando Allahyar, are participating in the strike, resulting in the closure of central commercial areas and businesses. Sindh Traders Association President Waqar Memon condemned the government’s “anti-business policies,” including monthly taxes, withholding taxes, and professional taxes.
Markets in other Punjab cities, such as Chichawatani, have also shuttered in protest, with traders demanding the withdrawal of “cruel” taxes and a reduction in electricity costs. In Charsadda, Jamaat-e-Islami has led the call for a traders’ strike, resulting in the closure of all food shops, including hotels.
Political Support Amplifies Strike’s Impact
The nationwide strike was bolstered earlier this week when Jamaat-e-Islami announced a shutter-down strike for August 28, aiming to pressure the coalition government into providing relief to the masses. This move followed a postponed 14-day sit-in after successful negotiations with the government, addressing demands such as reducing high power tariffs and reviewing agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). These agreements have been under scrutiny as they have led to hefty bills for the public, attributed to capacity payments made to IPPs.
