Pakistan City Traders Association Leads Nationwide Strike Over High Electricity Bills and Taxes
Karachi, Pakistan – On August 29, the Pakistan City Traders Association joined a nationwide strike to protest against high electricity bills, rising inflation, and a new tax regime called the Tajir Dost Scheme. This strike led to the closure of several major businesses and markets, including those in Liaquatabad and Tariq Road Bazar.
Impact on Industries
Javed Balwani, Chairperson of the Pakistan Apparel Forum, mentioned that the closure of wholesale markets and lack of transportation have made it difficult for industries to get raw materials, affecting dyeing and processing activities. Half of the workforce in the site area couldn’t reach their factories.
Johar Kandhari, President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, noted that the strike significantly disrupted the supply chain for industries in Korangi. Similarly, Faisal Moeez Khan, President of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, said that production activities in the North Karachi industrial area were also affected.
Market Closures
Rizwan Irfan, President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, reported that 95% of the city’s markets were closed. He urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to remove unjustified taxes and cancel the Tajir Dost Scheme. He also called for the removal of 13 unnecessary taxes on electricity bills.
Call for Government Action
Khawaja Jamal Sethi, head of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, stated that business activities have stalled due to increased taxes, rising inflation, and high utility bills. He added that the successful strike sent a clear message to the government to negotiate and address these economic challenges.
The FBR Chairperson has summoned Pakistani traders to a meeting after they announced their intention to observe a nationwide strike on August 28.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan City Traders Association -: This is a group of business people in Pakistan who work together to protect their interests and solve common problems.
nationwide strike -: A nationwide strike means that people all over the country stop working to protest against something they think is unfair.
high electricity bills -: This means that the cost of using electricity has become very expensive for people and businesses.
inflation -: Inflation is when the prices of things we buy, like food and clothes, go up, making it harder for people to afford them.
Tajir Dost Scheme -: This is a new plan introduced by the government, but many traders think it is not helpful and are protesting against it.
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and an important business hub.
Liaquatabad and Tariq Road Bazar -: These are popular shopping areas in Karachi where many people go to buy things.
supply chains -: Supply chains are the systems that get products from factories to stores where people can buy them.
Javed Balwani and Johar Kandhari -: These are important leaders in the business community who are speaking out about the problems caused by high costs and taxes.
Rizwan Irfan and Khawaja Jamal Sethi -: These are other business leaders who are asking the government to remove unfair taxes and help solve economic problems.
