Trying to unite: Group forms ‘mega union’ to protest

Wants govt to take back withholding tax on banking transactions.

ISLAMABAD: A group of traders in Islamabad announced the formation of a new traders’ union, All Pakistan Tajjir Itihad, on Tuesday.

The purpose of the new union is to convince the government to withdraw the 0.3% withholding tax levied on non-filers and charged through banking transactions valued over Rs50,000 in a single day.

The group, Injuman e Tajiran e Pakistan’s Islamabad chapter, said at a press conference that it will form a ‘mega’ union of the business community to protect the interest of traders.

This group had previously given a strike call on August 1 but failed to mobilise traders and businessmen as most markets in major cities remained open.

“We have already contacted traders in all four provinces to mobilise traders against this tax,” said Itihad President Kashif Chaudhry while addressing the press conference.

“We will launch a marathon movement against the 0.3% withholding tax till it is taken back,” said Chaudhry.

He also urged the country’s prime minister to review the decision in the larger interest of the business community and people of Pakistan.

“Some traders chose to negotiate with the government and abandon the business community. This has further strengthened the government’s position,” Chaudhry added.

He said that they would announce the date for another major countrywide strike on August 5. However, many traders have already refused to join.

He mentioned that due to the withholding tax, money is being laundered to foreign banks and traders opt for ‘Hawala’ and other options, which is a big loss for the government.

He claimed that banking transactions have dropped by a whopping 90% since the imposition of this coercive duty.

“In our next strike we will also bring the transporters in our fold and observe a transport strike,” Chaudhry added.

Chaudhry said he hoped for different political parties and people from all walks of life to join ranks with the All Pakistan Tajjir Itihad against the withholding tax.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2015.

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