Karachi, August 25, 2024 – In a heated press conference held on Sunday, prominent traders associations from Karachi announced their firm stance to proceed with a shutter-down strike on August 28, 2024.
This decision is in protest against the recent hike in taxes and inflated electricity bills, which they claim are crippling businesses and households alike.
Press Conference Highlights
The press conference, attended by key figures such as Kashif Chaudhry, Atiq Mir, and Hakeem Shah, was marked by a sense of urgency and determination. Other notable attendees included Asif Gulfam, Minhaj Gulfam, Rashid Khan, Sheikh Habib, and several others who stood in solidarity with the cause.
However, before the official proceedings began, there was noticeable commotion among the traders. A debate ensued over the venue of the press conference, with one faction insisting on holding it inside the club while another demanded it be held outside. Despite these disagreements, the traders remained united in their cause, albeit divided in their approach to the press conference.
Statements from the Traders’ Leaders
Kashif Chaudhry, President of Anjuman-e-Tajiran Pakistan, took the podium to express his gratitude to all the trader organizations in Karachi. “We have decided to strike to save our businesses,” he declared. “This is not a strike for trader leadership; it is a strike to save our shops and our livelihoods.” He emphasized that the entire city of Karachi and Sindh would observe a complete shutdown on August 28, making it clear that the strike is inevitable and non-negotiable at this point.
Chaudhry outlined several grievances that led to the decision to strike, highlighting the oppressive taxes in electricity bills, capacity payments, and issues related to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). “Our mothers and sisters are selling their jewelry to pay electricity bills. Industries are shutting down, and millions have become unemployed. The struggle will continue until electricity prices are reduced,” he stated, expressing the dire economic situation faced by many in the city.
The traders have already started protesting outside K-Electric offices, with Chaudhry asserting, “Now, traders will not bear the burden of electricity theft.” He also mentioned the recent imposition of fixed charges on gas bills, which he called unfair and unsustainable.
A Unified Front
Hakeem Shah, Chairman of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, voiced strong support for the strike. “Karachi traders are united in announcing their support for the strike. We cannot bear the burden of taxes any longer. Through this shutter-down strike, we will send a clear message that we cannot tolerate oppression,” Shah affirmed.
The leaders criticized the current tax system, calling it discriminatory and unfair. “There is even a tax on burial shrouds in this country,” said Chaudhry. “Every Pakistani pays tax from birth to death. We need a fair tax system, without which the country cannot run.”
Growing Frustration and Future Actions
The frustration among the traders is palpable, as they accuse the government of being on a destructive path. They have been vocal about the alleged corruption within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), with Chaudhry alleging, “Thirteen billion rupees in annual corruption occur in the FBR.”
As the press conference concluded, Shah hinted at the possibility of escalating the protests if their demands are not met. “We will advance the resistance movement. In the next phase, we could call for an indefinite strike,” he warned, indicating that the traders are prepared for a prolonged struggle if necessary.
In conclusion, Karachi’s traders are resolute in their decision to shut down their businesses on August 28, sending a powerful message to the government. As the day approaches, all eyes will be on Karachi to see how this strike unfolds and what impact it may have on the broader economic and political landscape of Pakistan.
