Major markets shut in protest against tax policies
Shutters in various parts of the country — including the metropolitan cities of Karachi and Lahore — remained closed as the call for strike from traders’ associations received an overwhelming response from the community. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
The business community in the provincial capital observed a city-wide strike on Wednesday in protest against the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) advance tax policies, leading to the closure of major wholesale markets across the city.
The strike, supported by various traders' associations, saw prominent markets such as Shah Alam Market, Azam Cloth Market, Badami Bagh Auto Market, Montgomery Road, and Circular Road shut down in solidarity.
This protest is part of a broader national strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami, which demands the rollback of heavy taxes imposed on businesses.
Key trade organisations participating in the strike included Anjuman Tajran Quaid-e-Azam Group, Anjuman Tajran Mujahid Maqsood Butt, All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran, Pakistan Traders and Manufacturers Alliance, Tanzeem Tajran Pakistan, and National Traders Alliance.
Syed Azmat Ali Shah, Chairman of the Shah Alam Market Board, confirmed that Shah Alam Market would remain closed in response to the strike. Similarly, Khwaja Ejaz, General Secretary of Azam Cloth Market, announced that Azam Cloth Market would also be fully closed.
Leaders from various wholesale and affiliated markets have joined the protest, further amplifying the impact.
The strike has significantly disrupted trading activities in several major markets, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the FBR's tax policies.
This protest is part of a larger national movement opposing the increased tax burden on businesses, reflecting growing frustration within the business community.