Traders across Pakistan, from Karachi to Khyber on Wednesday are observing a nationwide strike against the government's economic policies, particularly the high electricity bills, oppressive taxes, the controversial "Trader-Friendly Scheme," and IMF policies. The strike has received broad support from various political parties, including the PTI, JUI-F, and JI, as well as associations like the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). The traders' strike has brought business activities to a standstill in major markets, with shops closed and streets empty. In Karachi, markets such as Liaquatabad, Jodia Bazaar, Light House, Bolton Market, and Tariq Road have shut down, with banners protesting the IMF's grip, rising power bills, and the government's policies displayed prominently. Lahore's major markets, including Anarkali, Nolakha Landa Bazaar, and Hall Road, have also joined the strike.

However, the Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) did not join the strike, citing a lack of consultation. Similarly, a traders group in Lahore, the Anjuman Tajran Naeem Mir Group, has opposed the strike and kept their markets open. In Karachi, JI held a protest demonstration in the Sher Shah area against rising inflation and electricity prices, following the call of JI leader Hafiz Naeem. The protest disrupted traffic flow as demonstrators burned tyres and garbage on the road to voice their concerns. In Gujranwala, a complete shutterdown strike was observed on the call of trader associations. All business centres, markets, and bazaars in the city, including Satellite Town, Cloth Market, Jinnah Bazaar, Urdu Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Fish Market, Arainiaan Wali Gali, Sarafa Bazaar, Dal Bazaar, Loha Bazaar, and Mobile Market, remained completely closed, with banners displayed in support of the strike.

A nationwide shutterdown strike on the call of central Anjuman Tajran was also observed in Toba Tek Singh, as the Grocery Association, Anjuman Dukandaraan, Anjuman Aartiaan Ghalla Mandi, and Sarafa Association supported the strike. In Bahawalpur today, traders were on a complete strike, important trade centres and markets were completely closed, and grain markets remained closed at the tehsil level, including Bahawalpur. Circular Road, Shahi Bazar, Giri Ganj Bazar, Commercial Area, and other markets closed; Model Sabzi Mandi only last day's deals. The business community protested in front of the press club. On the call of All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran, a complete shutterdown strike of trade organisations in Chiniot, the furniture market, shops at Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Chiniot road markets, Maidan Tarkhanaan market, grain market, Gaddafi market, Churri Bazaar, Muslim Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Cloth Market, Mobile Market Yasir Plaza, and inner city markets are completely closed.

On the other hand, shops are partially open at Sabzi Mandi, Sargodha Road, Jhang Road, and Lahore Road in Chiniot. The shutterdown strike in Shikarpur was also observed, and different markets, including Meena Bazaar, Lakhider Chowk markets, Sarafa Bazaar, Cloth Market, and Vegetable Market, remained completely closed. Traders of the Malakand division, including Swat and Mingora, also joined the shutterdown strike, and all small and big business centres and private educational institutes remained closed. Malakand Division Trades Federation President Abdul Rahim said business has been badly affected by inflation and an increase in electricity prices. Malakand Division does not accept any kind of tax, he said. In Sahiwal, a shutterdown strike was observed in all major and minor markets across the city. JI also held a rally to show solidarity with the trader community. In Haripur, a complete shutdown was observed with all business centers closed.

The Haripur All Traders Association, Sarafa and Jewelers Association, Medical Stores Association, Fruit and Vegetable Association, Sweets and Bakers Association, and Poultry and Veterinary Association, along with other small and large trader organisations decided to shut down all businesses. Medical stores, fruit and vegetable markets, and Thara Bazaar were closed completely. Pertinent to mention here that the negotiations between traders and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) failed to yield any results, with traders rejecting the additional taxes on electricity bills and the "Trader-Friendly Scheme." Wednesday, Kashif Chaudhary, President of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions of Pakistan, emphasised the traders' grievances, stating, "We can no longer bear the burden of the exorbitant electricity bills and oppressive taxes." Ajmal Baloch, President of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran Pakistan Punjab, reiterated that all businesses will remain closed until the government addresses their concerns.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan