The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) announced a strike. Leading to intermittent closures of petroleum pump stations across Pakistan due to a proposed 0.5% advance turnover tax in the finance bill. Chairman Abdul Sami stopped the strike; hence, the government immediately repealed that advance tax. In its notification to the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). The Federal Board of Revenue informed them that these dealers were already compliant with taxes under section 156A and., Therefore, exempted them from this advance turnover tax.
The unfortunate death of APPDA’s president, Qazi Khalid, influenced the strike, resulting in the withdrawal of strike calls in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which another faction within the association had previously canceled. Thus, all petrol pumps continued their operations in places like Lahore and Peshawar as opposed to Karachi, where a number of them closed, causing great inconvenience on account of which there were altercations among motorcycle riders who lacked access to fuel and consequently, commuters had no choice but to seek other forms of transport.
During this press conference, Chairman Abdul Sami Khan, accompanied by other officials. Emphasized that APPDA had decided not to initiate any further strikes. This decision alleviated the difficulties faced by many tourists stuck in northern areas like Malakand, Swat. And Hazara districts due to the strike’s effects. Khan stated firmly that despite government opposition. And various intimidatory tactics against his leadership. While the strike was temporarily called off due to these factors. Their demands remained unchanged to prevent government encouragement of smuggling.
And then, the government withdrew the advance tax through a notification. Nauman Butt praised Chairman FBR, Secretary Petroleum, and the chairperson of OGRA for managing the strike situation successfully. However, Chairperson Sami Khan’s group disrupted peace among these resolutions. Therefore, Sami Khan structured the strike call on self-interests, leading some traders to a loss.
On his part, however, Khan was proud of the unity and genuine nature of this coalition. Which he maintained would be a meaningful contributor to success. Although specific dealers’ dealers strike failures, the strike’s victory and genuine expression were evident through their non-participation.
