Traders join nationwide strike over tax, price hikes

Association threatens to extend shutter-down strike to three days

RAWALPINDI:

Representatives of small and large business organisations and chambers in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have united in support of the nationwide strike against the recent increase in taxes, electricity prices and poor economic policies on August 28.

All markets, plazas, bazaars and shops in the twin cities will remain closed on August 28 due to the strike. Despite efforts by the district administration of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to create divisions among the business organisations, the traders have stood firm in their resolve.

Additionally, attempts by the federal and Punjab governments to persuade pro-Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) shopkeepers to call off the strike have been unsuccessful. PML-N affiliated businessmen and shopkeepers have also denounced the economic and trade policies of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab, labelling them as "anti-traders". Meanwhile, discussions are underway to potentially escalate the one-day strike into an extensive three-day shutdown.

The Central Association of Traders has proposed a three-day shutter-down strike, deeming it more effective than a one-day strike.

The association has extended an invitation to all wholesale markets in the twin cities, including wholesalers, grain markets, and vegetable and fruit markets to participate in the strike. Leaders of the wholesale and grain markets have already pledged their support, while traders from the vegetable and fruit markets will convene for a meeting today (Sunday).

Central Association of Traders President, Kashif Chaudhry, has stated that traders will not pay the holding tax under any circumstances. The four major trade associations of Rawalpindi, have declared their supported for the strike. They warned that any attempt by the administration to intervene would lead to an extension of the strike to three days.