Karachi, August 23, 2024 – In a move that has captured widespread attention, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has announced its support for a nationwide business shutdown planned by traders on August 28.
This strike is aimed at protesting against recent tax notices and demanding relief from high electricity bills and other taxes.
KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh has urged all KCCI members to join the strike by closing their businesses on the specified date. The goal is to pressure the government into withdrawing the controversial Tajir Dost Scheme and reducing the excessive tax demands.
Sheikh criticized the government’s recent tax policy, which has demanded a hefty advance tax of Rs. 60,000 per month from both registered and unregistered traders. He described this amount as unfair and unaffordable for over 80 percent of shopkeepers in the city. Sheikh emphasized that although there was a promise of a much lower tax of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,200, the actual demand of Rs. 60,000 is unjust and intolerable.
Sheikh reiterated his call for the government to delay the Tajir Dost Scheme for at least three months and engage in discussions with all stakeholders. He argued that the scheme, as currently implemented, has been problematic and needs to be revised to better meet the needs of the business community.
The KCCI President revealed that the Chamber had previously warned policymakers about potential issues with the Tajir Dost Scheme, but these concerns had not been addressed. Sheikh stressed that the scheme should be revisited to ensure it is practical and acceptable to all parties involved.
In light of the current economic difficulties, with rising inflation and increasing utility bills, Sheikh stated that many shopkeepers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. The KCCI’s support for the strike is aimed at highlighting these challenges and advocating for fairer tax policies.
The Karachi Chamber, as a leading voice of the business community, stands firmly with the small traders and shopkeepers. Sheikh assured that the KCCI will support the August 28 strike fully, reflecting the serious concerns of the business community about the ongoing tax and utility challenges.
