By Asghar Ali Mubarak
RAWALPINDITop of FormBottom of Form: The strike organized by the Traders’ Association in Rawalpindi against high taxes, electricity bills, and inflation was a resounding success. In response to the strike call, most markets, shops, and bazaars in the city remained completely closed. A peaceful rally by traders was held at Chandni Chowk on Murree Road.
In Rawalpindi, even street vendors and hawkers joined the strike, with prominent markets like Raja Bazaar, China Market, College Road, Bird Market, Nirankari Bazaar, Wheat Market, Ganjmandi, Vegetable Market, City Saddar Road, Imperial Market, Bara Market, Chandni, Dhoke Hassu Fruit and Vegetable Market, Commercial Market, Mobile Market, Main Saddar Bazaar Cantt, Murree Road, Electronics Market, Food Street, Shoes Market, and Medicine Market remaining shut.
In Islamabad, various business centers also observed a shutter-down strike against increased taxes on trader schemes and electricity bills. Numerous places witnessed protests, including in Aabpara, G-9 Karachi Company, and other areas. Traders have demanded the government retract the trader-unfriendly tax scheme, warning of further strikes if their demands are not met.
In Lahore, the majority of markets were closed in protest against high taxes, electricity bills, and inflation. Karachi saw both large and small markets shut down, with traders in Sher Shah and Mominabad protesting against inflation and high electricity costs, blocking roads and setting tires ablaze in some areas. The Pakistan Oil Tanker Owners Association has fully supported the nationwide strike, with Chairman Mir Shams stating that this strike addresses excessive taxes and harsh electricity bills impacting every Pakistani.
In Sindh, business centers in Badin, Golarchi, Tando Bago, Matli, and Talar were closed, while in Balochistan’s capital, Quetta, all major and minor markets were shut down. The President of the Traders’ Association explained that the strike was against exorbitant taxes and highlighted that, unlike in other countries, Pakistani traders are burdened with excessive taxations. The increasing tax load is causing many traders to leave the country.
Similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, business centers in Peshawar and other districts were closed. The strike continued across Malakand and Hazara divisions, with traders voicing their discontent over high taxes and electricity bills.
#NationwideStrike, #TradersStrike, #HighElectricityBills, #TaxProtests, #Inflation, #TradersAssociation, #MarketShutdown, #BusinessStrike, #EconomicProtest, #PakistanProtests,
