The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Traders Association has called for a complete shutdown of all small and large businesses across the province on Wednesday, August 28.
This call comes in response to the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) recent imposition of a monthly advance tax on traders under a "business-friendly" scheme, which has sparked widespread discontent among the business community.
The decision for a nationwide strike was made at a meeting in Islamabad, attended by representatives from various traders' associations across the country. The largest traders' organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has pledged full support to the call issued by the All Pakistan Traders' Associations.
Also Read: The Deadly Allure of Clickers: A Toy That’s More Dangerous Than It Seems
Malik Mehr Elahi, President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Traders Association, informed TNN that during the meeting in Islamabad, it was decided that the first phase would involve a one-day complete shutdown. If the FBR remains steadfast in its position, a two-day strike will follow, eventually escalating to a week-long strike if necessary.
He also mentioned that the largest protest camp will be set up at Milad Chowk in Peshawar, where traders from all sectors will gather, followed by a protest rally. Mehr Elahi warned that if these protests fail to resolve the issue, their strategy would include shutting down all business centers where FBR representatives come to issue tax challans.
He made it clear that if there is any disruption to law and order, the responsibility will lie with the FBR. In preparation for the August 28 strike, the association has begun contacting trader organizations across the province, who have assured their full cooperation.
