ISLAMABAD: All major merchant groups have joined together to observe a national closure strike against the Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government of Pakistan for its "anti-business" policies, seeking to stop commercial and economic activities across the country . on October 29 and 30.
Merchants' associations in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and other parts of the country in support of the strike call given by All-Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran (APAT) and Markazi Tanzeem-i-Tajiran Pakistan (MTTP) pledged to close All markets for two days to press for their demands, with the warning that the scope of the strike could be extended.
The president of APAT, Ajmal Baloch, said that the deadlock in the talks with the Federal Revenue Board had not been resolved, because the president of the FBR allegedly followed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agenda and could not make any decisions. "Director [of] FBR promises a flat tax regime at each meeting, but retracts from that commitment within an hour, ”Mr. Baloch said while addressing a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday.
Community leaders believe the strike will prove a referendum against illegal decisions ’from the PTI government, FBR
"The IMF's strict conditions have destroyed the business of small merchants and we are already affected by corruption in the FBR," said Baloch, adding that the financial advisor "Hafeez Shaikh and [FBR chairman] Shabbar Zaidi has stopped commercial activities in the country and even economists have expressed this concern. "
He said the government should understand that tax collection depended on commercial activity, and that it was essential for the country's economic growth that merchants could manage their businesses without fear or threat.
"We demand that the government have confidence in the merchants and cooperate with us," said the president of APAT.
Several markets and bazaars in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have already displayed banners that the stores will remain closed for two days in protest against the "anti-transport policies" of the government and the RBA, although commercial activities may also be affected on 31 October. , the day the anti-government protest march of the opposition parties would reach the federal capital.
The country's economy would suffer a major blow if the FBR failed to adopt favorable business policies, as consumers were gradually reducing their purchases due to the dizzying prices of essential items that also affected sales, said All-Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI) President Atiq Mir while announcing his support for the strike across the country.
He said that all Karachi merchants under various associations would keep the blinds closed on both days to protest against additional import duties and taxes, CNIC's condition in the transaction of Rs50,000 or more on locally produced items, tax registration on sales, turnover tax, fixed tax, etc.
He stated that he had been assured of the full support of several associations that promised to close the markets in M.A. Jinnah Road, Tariq Road, Saddar, the areas of the old city, the iron and steel market and the timber market. "If these markets close, it means that 80 percent of wholesale and retail trade will be paralyzed from October 29 to 30," Mir warned.
He said the FBR created a stalemate in the negotiations, forcing merchants to close their own businesses to protest against the government's "negative" trade policies.
The president of the Association of Electronic Distributors of Karachi (KEDA), Mohammad Rizwan Irfan, said that shopping centers throughout the city would show their unity against the tough measures being taken by the FBR that slowed down business activities. Similarly, the secretary general of the Tajir Ittehad Association (ACTIA) throughout the city, Ahmed Shamsi, said the markets in Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Hyderi and other areas would also remain closed.
"This is perhaps the first time that there is no gap between commercial agencies and everyone is on the same page to stop business on Tuesday and Wednesday," he said.
Commercial and commercial activities in Balochistan would also be affected by the strike when Markazi Anjuman Tajran, Balochistan, announced a two-day closing protest against FBR's attitude towards the business community on the issue of taxes.
In a statement issued here on Monday, Markazi Anjuman Tajran said that merchants and the business community would keep their activities suspended on October 29 and 30. He said the strike would prove a referendum against the illegitimate and irritating decisions of the PTI government and the FBR.
"The illegitimate and irritating terms and conditions and regulations of the FBR rules have forced the business community to go on strike," said Abdul Rahim Kakar, president of Markazi Anjuman Tajiran, Balochistan.
Kalbe Ali of Islamabad, Aamir Shafaat Khan of Karachi and Saleem Shahid of Quetta contributed to this report.
Posted on Dawn, October 29, 2019
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1513485/two-day-nationwide-protest-by-traders-begins-today