Karachi: Leaders of the Central Traders’ Association and the Sindh Traders’ Alliance have announced in a press conference that a strike will take place on August 28 under all circumstances. If the agreements with IPPs are not canceled, the next phase will involve a two-day or indefinite strike.
The announcement was made at the Karachi Press Club by Central Traders’ Association President Kashif Chaudhry, along with trader leaders Atiq Mir, Waqar Hameed Memon, Abdul Raheem Agha, Lala Furqan Sheikh, Sheikh Habib, Rana Akram, Asif Gulfam, and representatives from Karachi’s major and minor markets.
Kashif Chaudhry stated that the strike on August 28 will be a shutter-down strike across Karachi, Sindh, and the entire country to save the economy and prevent industrial closures.
He emphasized that this strike is not for the benefit of the traders’ leadership but to protect the businesses of Karachi and Pakistan.
He explained that the strike is against expensive electricity, payments of 2800 billion rupees to 40 IPP fraudsters, and 13 taxes on electricity.
No individual can afford such high electricity bills, and traders are selling their assets to pay these bills. Industries are closing, and unemployment is increasing.
Chaudhry criticized the imposition of a 60,000 rupee monthly tax on shops, calling it unjust.
He noted that traders will have to manage tax payments alongside shop rents, rejecting advance taxes and any notices from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He warned that if FBR teams target markets, they will face a blockade.
He also called for the withdrawal of the trader-friendly scheme, stating that only the Prime Minister has the authority to reverse it under the IMF deal. He refused to accept these taxes.
Trader leader Atiq Mir condemned the rulers as traitors and oppressors, accusing them of not wanting the people’s welfare. Instead of providing relief, they have imposed taxes on food.
He criticized the high electricity bills leading to suicides and the ongoing economic crisis, claiming that rulers have not curtailed their luxuries but have worsened the traders’ difficulties.
Representatives from Balochistan attending the meeting also announced their participation in the strike.