The All Pakistan Traders Association has announced a three-hour shutter-down strike as a token protest against the growing energy payments. This demonstration intends to focus on the monetary pressure investors face because of the excessive power charges.
Continued Strike Against Withholding Tax
In addition to today’s protest, the grain markets have been on strike for the third consecutive day in opposition to the withholding tax. The Wholesale Grocers Association also kept their businesses closed in solidarity. The Central Kirana Merchants Association Lahore joined the protest but has announced that they will resume operations today.
Details of the Protest
The token strike was announced during a meeting presided over by Ashraf Bhatti, President of the All Pakistan Traders Association. Bhatti stated that traders are finding it increasingly difficult to pay the high electricity bills under the current circumstances. As part of today’s protest, traders in all markets of Anarkali will close their businesses from 2 PM to 5 PM to peacefully record their opposition.
Resumption of Business in Grain Markets
Following the three-day strike, the grain markets have decided to resume business from today. Azhar Iqbal Awan, President of Akbar Market, informed the media that despite their peaceful protests over the past three days, the government has not responded with the seriousness expected. Considering the public’s difficulties, business operations in the grain markets across Punjab and the rest of the country will restart today. However, traders have kept their demands and will convene a nationwide meeting of grain market traders’ associations on August 6 to announce their future course of action.
Today’s three-hour shutter-down protest reflects the mounting frustrations of traders dealing with high electricity bills and withholding taxes. While the grain markets are resuming operations, the trading community’s collective voice continues calling for government intervention and resolving their grievances. The upcoming meeting on August 6 will likely outline further steps in their ongoing struggle.
