City traders join nationwide strike

All major markets, business centres and bazaars remained closed

KARACHI:

City traders on Wednesday joined the nationwide strike against inflated electricity bills, rising inflation and the new tax regime - Tajir Dost Scheme.

Operation in all major business centres in the city, including those in Liaquatabad, Tariq Road, Saddar, Urdu Bazar, Aram Bagh, Jama Cloth, Jodia Bazar, Hydari and Korangi markets, sanitary market in Golimar, Bolton Market, grain and medicine markets and others remained suspended due to the strike. The strike also disrupted industrial operations.

Javed Balwani, Chairman of the Pakistan Apparel Forum, told The Express Tribune that the closure of wholesale markets and lack of transport made it difficult for industries to get the supply of raw material, adversely affecting the dyeing and processing operations. Additionally, 50% of SITE area workforce could not reach the factories.

Johar Kandhari, President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, mentioned that the strike severely impacted the supply chain for industries in Korangi. Continuing with the impact of the traders' strike, Faisal Moeez Khan, President of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, reported that production activities in the North Karachi industrial area were also disrupted.

Only those with personal vehicles were able to reach the industries. Faisal said that the industries faced difficulties in acquiring raw materials as well as delivering goods.

A few petrol pumps in the city's suburbs were also closed due to the strike.

President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, Rizwan Irfan said that 95% of city's markets were closed. He stated that the Federal Board of Revenue should eliminate oppressive and unjustified taxes. Irfan also called for an immediate notification to withdraw the Tajir Dost Scheme and remove 13 unnecessary taxes on electricity bills. He urged the government to focus on improving the economy instead of making it difficult for traders and exporters to compete at the international level.

Head of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, Khawaja Jamal Sethi, mentioned that business activities have come to a halt due to additional taxes, rising inflation, and high utility bills. He said that Wednesday's successful strike serves as a message for the government to engage in negotiations to improve the economy.

Head of All Karachi Traders Union, Atiq Mir also expressed concerns over unjustified taxes and high electricity bills, warning that the government policies are pushing people and traders toward chaos. He urged the government to act wisely and reduce administrative expenses to curb its extravagance.