Professional tax hike sparks outrage

Traders association asks vendors not to pay 'unjustified levy'

RAWALPINDI:

In a bid to address the worsening economic crisis, the government has introduced a steep increase in professional taxes for businesses in the Rawalpindi division.

The move has sparked outrage among traders.

Tax bills ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs0.2 million have been dispatched to shopkeepers, leading to protests from trade associations.

The Markazi Anjuman Tajran, the central body of traders, has instructed shopkeepers not to pay the "unjustified" tax increases. They said particularly alarming is the hike for milk and yoghurt sellers in upscale areas of Rawalpindi, who now face an annual tax of Rs200,000.

Small businesses, including grocery stores, barbers, welders, general stores, tent services, and food outlets, are now required to pay taxes ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000 annually.

Trade leaders have expressed outrage over the move. "Previously, professional taxes were between Rs1,500 and Rs3,000 annually. Now they've skyrocketed to unbearable levels," said Sharjeel Mir, president of the Markazi Anjuman Tajran.

Salim Parvez Butt, president of the Kiriana Merchants Association, called the Rs200,000 tax on milk sellers "cruel and absurd." He added, "These vendors sell milk and yoghurt, not drugs."

The traders accused government officials of exploiting small shopkeepers while continuing their extravagant lifestyles. "Instead of burdening us, they should cut their lavish expenses on luxury vehicles and free utilities," Mir said.

The Markazi Anjuman Tajran plans to meet with the ETO Professional Tax office to demand a rollback of the increased taxes.

"If the old rates are not reinstated, we will launch a complete strike, including protests and a lockout, across Punjab," warned Mir.