Rawalpindi’s trader groups under the All Pakistan Traders Association’s call, have agreed to unite for a complete shutdown across the city and cantonment areas on Wednesday (tomorrow).
Mohammad Farooq Chaudhry, the President of Rawalpindi Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets, and Bakers Association, announced his backing for the nationwide trade strike on August 28. He called on the government to reassess the current tax policy and stressed that business leaders should be consulted when drafting future tax regulations.
He questioned whether the government is prepared to cut its expenses, highlighting that their association has already reduced its costs.
Chaudhry criticized the Punjab government for levying a Rs. 2.24 sales tax on a Rs. 14 roti, alongside imposing fines of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000. He also pointed out the burden of various additional taxes on food industry traders.
Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, President of the Rawalpindi Traders Association, highlighted the financial struggles of traders, emphasizing that high electricity bills were exacerbating their problems.
Sharjeel Mir, President of another traders’ group, stated that declining purchasing power hurts business activity. He called for a more favorable environment and reduced taxes to alleviate the burden on the public.