Kashif Chaudhry, President of the traders association, has announced that traders across Pakistan will observe a nationwide shutterdown strike on August 28, citing the government’s unwillingness to address key concerns. Chaudhry stated, “The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been in regular contact with me, but after two months of unsuccessful negotiations, we will no longer engage in talks without concrete action.”
The strike is a reaction to the government’s refusal to withdraw the controversial Dost scheme and provide a practical plan to renegotiate agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Read more: JI declares a nationwide strike starting August 28
“We will not pay advance tax under the so-called business-friendly scheme until it is abolished,” Chaudhry asserted. He stressed that if the government does not issue a notification by the evening of August 28, negotiations will be off the table.
Chaudhry also pointed out that the strike has garnered widespread support, not only from traders and industrialists but also from political parties and the general public. “People, including political parties, are standing with us against the government’s oppressive policies,” he added. The strike is anticipated to be a significant demonstration of unity within Pakistan’s business community, with millions across the country expected to join the protest against what they see as governmental abuse and economic mismanagement.
