Traders across Pakistan will observe a complete shutter-down strike on August 28, 2024, to protest against high taxes and soaring electricity tariffs. The strike, organized by the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran and supported by numerous trade associations, highlights the widespread discontent with the government’s economic policies.
Background of the Strike
The call for the strike was announced by Amjad Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, during a press conference in Quetta. Baloch criticized the government for imposing excessive taxes and inflated electricity costs, which he claims are placing an unsustainable burden on businesses and consumers alike. He assured that the strike is a unified effort by the business community, independent of any political party influence.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Central Traders Association (CTA), and Sindh Traders Alliance (STA) are among the key organizations backing the strike. Their support underscores the broad-based frustration with the federal budget’s tax policies and the rising cost of utilities, which have driven up the cost of living and business operations.
In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, all markets, plazas, and shops will be closed in solidarity. Despite efforts by the district administration to undermine the strike and attempts by the federal and Punjab governments to persuade pro-PML-N shopkeepers to stay open, the traders’ resolve remains firm. The Central Association of Traders has even proposed extending the strike to three days if their demands for policy changes are not met.
In Balochistan, traders have expressed solidarity with the nationwide protest, echoing concerns about high taxes and economic mismanagement. Similarly, in Mansehra and Lower Dir, local business communities have announced their participation, emphasizing that the government’s current policies are exacerbating financial hardships.
In Karachi, leaders such as Atiq Mir from the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad and Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh from the KCCI have condemned the government’s tax measures and the impact of high utility costs on everyday life. Their statements reflect a broader dissatisfaction with how the government has handled economic challenges.
