Karachi, August 8, 2024: Karachi’s business community is gearing up for a major protest against exorbitant electricity bills and excessive taxation. The demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, at 4 PM, at Regal Chowk in Saddar. If the government fails to address their demands, traders have threatened a three-day nationwide shutdown.
Trade leaders, including Atiq Mir, Rizwan Irfan, Mahmood Hamid, Jamil Paracha, and Sharif Memon, convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the crisis. They emphasized the dire economic situation faced by traders due to government policies. Atiq Mir, Chairman of Karachi Tajir Ittehad, condemned the government’s actions, stating, “We will not allow our children to starve to death.” Rizwan Irfan, President of Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, urged the government to reconsider its policies to avoid public unrest.
Mahmood Hamid, President of the Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industry Karachi, drew parallels with recent protests in Bangladesh, warning of potential public uprisings. “We have seen how economic pressures can lead to large-scale social unrest,” Hamid remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Jamil Paracha and Sharif Memon, representing Sindh Tajir Ittehad and Bolton Market respectively, vowed to continue the struggle until their demands are met. “We are united in our cause and will not back down until justice is served,” Paracha asserted.
Aasif Gulfam from Aram Bagh Traders Alliance highlighted Karachi’s significant contribution to the national economy while criticizing the lack of basic amenities and the imposition of new taxes. “Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan, yet we are treated unfairly with soaring electricity bills and burdensome taxes,” Gulfam stated. Rauf Ibrahim, President of Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association, emphasized the impact of excessive taxes on essential commodities. “The cost of living is becoming unbearable for the average citizen, and these taxes are crippling our businesses,” Ibrahim explained.
Aslam Khan, General Secretary of the Cooperative Market, assured the unity of Karachi’s traders in achieving their goals. “We stand together in solidarity and will not rest until our demands are met,” Khan declared. The traders’ demands include the abolition of the electricity slab system, a 50% discount for consumers using up to 500 units, and the cancellation of unjust Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts. These IPP contracts have been a point of contention, with traders arguing that they lead to inflated electricity prices.
The protest is expected to draw large crowds as the grievances of the business community resonate with many Karachi residents. The high cost of electricity and increased taxes have put immense pressure on both businesses and households. “We are not only fighting for our businesses but for the well-being of our families and future generations,” Atiq Mir emphasized.
The traders have also called for a review of the taxation system, arguing that the current framework disproportionately affects small businesses. “The government’s tax policies are squeezing the lifeblood out of small traders,” Rizwan Irfan pointed out. The business community’s unified front and clear set of demands highlight the growing frustration and determination among Karachi’s traders to bring about meaningful change.
