Karachi, August 27, 2024 – The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) announced on Tuesday its support for the nationwide shutter down strike called by traders across Pakistan.
The strike is scheduled for August 28, 2024, and is aimed at drawing the government’s attention to the pressing concerns of the business community.
In a unified statement, KATI President Johar Qandhari, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Vice President Muslim Mohammadi, and other members of the Executive Council expressed solidarity with the traders, urging the government to address their demands promptly. The KATI leaders highlighted several key issues that have been impacting the business sector, including high taxes, exorbitant electricity prices, and unfavorable contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The KATI officials emphasized the urgent need for the government to reduce the tax burden on businesses and revise the existing electricity tariffs, which have been a major source of concern for traders and industrialists alike. They also called for the abolishment of additional charges like the Power Holding Limited (PHL) levy on electricity bills in Karachi, which they argue unfairly burdens consumers and businesses in the city.
KATI President Johar Qandhari spoke passionately about the difficulties faced by the business community in the current economic climate. He stressed the importance of providing relief to businesses struggling under the weight of financial pressures and reiterated KATI’s commitment to supporting the traders in their efforts to achieve fair treatment from the government.
“The business community is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and it is imperative that their legitimate demands are heard and addressed,” Qandhari stated. “If the government takes concrete steps to reduce the tax burden and electricity prices, as well as revising contracts with IPPs, the business community is prepared to play its part in stabilizing and improving the country’s economy.”
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue between the government and the business community. He called for immediate action to resolve the issues raised by traders, warning that continued neglect could lead to further economic instability.
Senior Vice President Nighat Awan also urged the government to consider the impact of its policies on the economic health of the nation. “It is essential that the government acts now to prevent further damage to our economy and to ensure that businesses can continue to operate effectively,” she said.
As the shutter down strike approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s response to the traders’ demands. The business community is hopeful that a swift and favorable resolution will be reached, ensuring a more stable and prosperous economic future for Pakistan.