Flour mills reopen as govt promises tax relief

A day after the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) called off its strike following the government’s promise to address their concerns, including withdrawal of the withholding tax within 10 days, all 35 flour mills in Islamabad and Rawalpindi resumed operations on Sunday.

Sources said the Flour Dealers Association also resumed flour supply in the twin cities, resulting in the cessation of black market sales and a reduction in flour prices. They said the grocery merchants begun selling flour again.

The Flour Mills Association announced that the government delegation assured them the issue would be resolved positively within 10 days. “The strike is being temporarily called off in respect for Muharram and the federal government’s promise. However, if the withholding tax is not abolished by July 22, the mills will go on an indefinite strike until the tax withdrawal is officially notified,” it said.

Raza Ahmad Shah, Central Leader of the Flour Mills Association Rawalpindi Division, expressed hope that the government would fulfil its promise.