Shopkeepers Threaten Strike Over Back-Breaking Taxes, Electricity Bills

The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association has warned to go on strike if the federal government doesn’t reverse the new withholding tax on pulses and rice. The association has given the government five days to abolish the new tax. Chairperson Abdul Rauf Ibrahim announced at a press conference that they will collectively oppose the withholding tax. The traders will decide on a final course of action by July 30. He warned that the new tax would increase consumer prices by Rs. 10-15 per kilogram and mentioned potential legal action if their demands are not met. He urged the government to heed traders’ demands, questioning whether it would respond only if traders, like petroleum dealers and flour mills, went on strike. Meanwhile, Karachi traders have announced market closures to protest inflated electricity bills. The All Sadr Alliance of Market and Mall Association has announced to close markets from 12 PM to 3 PM as a form of protest. If the situation does not improve, the traders plan to escalate their protests, potentially including demonstrations outside markets. The association’s representative emphasized the urgent need for reduced electricity tariffs as the current rates were unsustainable for maintaining business operations.