Traders in Peshawar Observe Complete Shutdown Against Monthly Advance Tax Imposed by FBR

The largest protest camp in Peshawar was set up at Milad Chowk, where a significant number of traders and shopkeepers gathered throughout the day.

PESHAWAR - Following a nationwide call for a one-day complete shutter-down strike by the Central Organization of Traders of Pakistan, traders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the provincial capital Peshawar, observed a full strike against the monthly advance tax imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Trader organizations from other provinces also assured full compliance with the strike call.

The strike led to the closure of all major and minor business centers across the city, including Khyber Bazaar, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Namak Mandi, Kohati Gate, Kabari Bazaar, Ramdaas, Ashraf Road, Kochi Bazaar, Meena Bazaar, Shaheen Bazaar, Chowk Yadgar, Inner City, Sarafa Bazaar, Saddar Cantonment, University Road, and Ring Road.

The largest protest camp in Peshawar was set up at Milad Chowk, where a significant number of traders and shopkeepers gathered throughout the day. A protest rally was also taken out, with participants chanting slogans against the "unjust tax" imposed by the FBR.

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Malik Meher Elahi, President of Traders Organization Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, General Secretary Ihsan Bacha, trader Haji Waheed Khan, and various presidents of different bazaars and markets stated that today's successful strike should serve as a wake-up call for the government and the FBR to realize the level of discontent among the business community across the country regarding this advance tax.

They further mentioned that today's strike was merely a "trailer," and if the government does not retract its decision, they will devise a future course of action that may include a call for multiple days of strikes. They criticized the so-called "trader-friendly scheme" of the tax, pointing out that initially, they were told only non-filers would have to pay Rs. 1200 to enter the tax net, which they welcomed. However, during a meeting with the FBR Chairman, they were later informed that businesses would have to pay taxes based on the valuation table. "No country in the world imposes taxes based on valuation," they argued.

They added that the FBR has done no homework regarding this advance tax and has arbitrarily imposed it on every shop. The FBR should be well aware of the devastating economic and business conditions in the country. The trader organizations unanimously decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Central Organization of Traders of Pakistan on any further action announced on this critical issue.