By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The business community across Pakistan has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on Saturday, July 19, in protest against the government’s continued neglect of their growing concerns. The decision comes after several rounds of unsuccessful negotiations, prompting the traders to adopt a firm stance against what they call “official apathy and broken promises.”
President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mian Abuzar Shad, issued a passionate call to all traders across the country, urging them to close their businesses in solidarity and demand immediate action from the government. He said that the business community has shown immense patience, but the silence and inaction from the authorities have left them with no option but to protest.
Supporting the strike decision, LCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Chaudhry Shahid Nazir echoed the same concerns. They criticized the government’s failure to provide concrete solutions despite repeated engagements and reassurances. “This strike is not political; it’s a cry for survival,” they said.
The movement has gained significant momentum with backing from powerful business alliances and trade leaders. Chairman of the PBP Alliance has thrown his weight behind the protest, calling it a justified reaction to ongoing financial burdens on traders.
Mian Anjum Nisar, Patron-in-Chief of the PIAF (Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front), has also extended complete support, urging the government to wake up before the situation worsens. “Our traders are the backbone of the economy, yet they are constantly burdened with unfair taxes, inflation, and administrative harassment,” he stated.
Adding further strength to the campaign, Ali Hussam Asghar, Chairman of the Pioneer Businessmen Group, announced his full support for the strike, stating that the government has pushed traders to the wall. “If we don’t raise our voice now, our future generations will suffer,” he added.
Traders from Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and other major cities are gearing up to close down their shops and markets on the strike day. Banners, posters, and public messages are being shared widely, with the central slogan: “No More Promises – We Want Action!”
The business community has delivered a final warning: “Give relief, or face complete shutdown.”
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