Traders Announce Nationwide Strike on August 28

The All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, a prominent traders’ association, has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 28 to protest against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax policies. The traders’ body has rejected the FBR’s recent tax scheme, labeling it as impractical and demanding its immediate withdrawal.

Among their key demands, traders are calling for the removal of withholding taxes on essential goods, including pulses and flour. They have also urged the government to reassess agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), eliminate taxes and the slab system on electricity bills, and roll back recent hikes in gas prices, additional security charges, and the oppressive billing slabs.

In addition, the traders are demanding the cancellation of FBR’s SROs G-236 and H-236. They have also called for an end to free utilities and fuel allowances for top government officials, including the President and Prime Minister, suggesting that government officers should opt for smaller vehicles instead of luxury cars.

The traders are pushing for the removal of the General Sales Tax on essential items such as food, stationery, poultry, and medicines. They have also demanded the reversal of heavy taxes on the export sector and the recent hikes in income tax slabs for private employees and traders.

Warning of a nationwide strike on August 28 if their demands are not met, the traders have called on the government to raise the income tax exemption threshold to keep pace with inflation, withdraw new taxes on the real estate and construction sectors, restore the gain period, and limit the extensive powers granted to FBR officers.

Furthermore, they have advocated for the abolition of the interest-based economy as a step toward ensuring economic stability.