ISLAMABAD: A nationwide shutter-down strike has been initiated by the business community across Pakistan in protest against rising sales and advance taxes, inflated electricity bills, and the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) fixed tax policy.
The strike, which has led to a halt in business activities in various cities, reflects the traders’ demands for immediate relief from the government’s taxing policies and soaring utility costs.
In Lahore, key commercial areas such as Shah Alam Market, Azam Market, and Urdu Bazaar remained closed as traders protested against the imposition of sales tax on stationery and other goods. The strike extended to Akbari Mandi, where merchants shut their shops in opposition to the prevailing tax regime. Protest banners were prominently displayed across these markets, signaling the traders’ dissatisfaction with current government policies.
Despite widespread participation, the Poultry Retailers Association decided to withdraw from the strike, opting not to join the protest. However, traders from Mall Road, Azam Cloth House Market, Badami Bagh Auto Market, and Hall Road have actively participated in the strike. The call for a strike has also gained significant support from political groups, notably Jamaat-e-Islami, which has strongly backed the traders’ demands. The party announced plans to set up strike camps in various markets, including Liberty Market and Hall Road Market, to further rally support for the business community, as confirmed by its leader Ahmed Salman Baloch.
In Gujranwala, a shutter-down strike is also being observed on the call of the central traders’ organization against the increase in electricity and gas prices and the implementation of withholding tax. Various business organizations have closed their centers and markets, with banners displayed across the city denoting the strike. Business centers, including Satellite Town, Cloth Market, Jinnah Bazaar, Urdu Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Fish Market, Araina Street, Sarafa Bazaar, Daal Bazaar, Lohewala Bazaar, and Mobile Market, were found closed.
Rawalpindi’s traders are also observing a strike against the Tajir Dost Scheme and other taxes, leading to the closure of all small and large markets and shops across the city. All business centers, bakeries, tandoors, hotels, general stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments are completely shut. Traders’ associations expressed that inflation, illegal taxes, and increased electricity bills have severely impacted their businesses, warning that if their demands are not met, the scope of the shutter-down strike will be expanded.
In Karachi, the country’s largest city, business activities have come to a standstill. All small and large markets, including Liaquatabad, Joria Bazaar, Botal Street, Old City Area, Lighthouse, Jamia Cloth, Allahwala Market, and Zainab Market, have been shut down as traders protest against high electricity costs, increased taxes, and unfavorable contractual agreements with independent power producers (IPPs). The city’s bustling commercial hubs such as Tariq Road, Manzoor Colony, Lalukhet, Madison Market, and Hyderi have also joined the strike, leaving the city’s economy at a standstill.
The strike has extended across Balochistan, including Quetta, where all small and large business and commercial centers are closed. Traders in Quetta are demanding the abolition of the Tajir Dost Scheme and reductions in the taxes embedded within electricity bills. They are also calling for a review of contracts with independent power producers. Protests were reported in other cities like Harnai, Loralai, and Chagai, where traders closed their shops in response to increased taxation, inflation, and rising utility costs.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts like Swat and Malakand are observing a complete shutter-down strike, with all major business centers, including medical stores, hotels, industries, factories, and vegetable stores, closing their doors. The strike has also significantly reduced traffic in these areas. Similar scenes were witnessed in Abbottabad and Havelian, where both small and large commercial centers are closed for the day in protest against high electricity costs and taxes. Trade organizations have planned demonstrations at various locations, amplifying their protest against the government’s economic policies.
This widespread strike underscores the growing frustration within Pakistan’s business community over the government’s tax policies and the high cost of electricity. As traders across the country unite in their demands for relief, the government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of this crucial economic sector.
