By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: In an emergency press conference held under the chairmanship of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad, traders across the country were lauded for their support in making the July 19 shutter-down strike a resounding success.
Speaking to media representatives, Mian Abuzar Shad expressed his gratitude to fellow traders, market leaders, and journalists, acknowledging their role in highlighting the concerns of the business community. “Our goal was not confrontation, but to convey the genuine hardships faced by traders due to harsh policies,” he said.
Referring to the peaceful nature of the strike, Shad clarified, “No coercion took place. No glass was broken. No shutter was forced shut. This was a voluntary, united protest.” He praised the solidarity shown by Karachi and Lahore traders, stating that the joint strike halted nearly 60 per cent of the country’s economic activity.
Shad disclosed that despite eight hours of dialogue with government representatives, no written assurance was provided. “We requested even a one-month suspension of harsh tax regulations like Section 37AA, mandatory e-invoicing, e-bilty, and 16 per cent tax on rentals, but nothing was given in writing,” he said. “The strike became inevitable.”
He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, both former LCCI presidents, to listen to the voice of the business community. “If respected and engaged properly, our Uraan Programme could progress tenfold,” he added.
Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Choudhry also addressed the press conference. Khalid Usman stressed that “Traders are patriotic citizens who want to pay taxes but not under oppressive systems.” Shahid Nazir Choudhry emphasized that “Traders are the backbone of the economy, and their voice must be heard.”
Former LCCI Presidents Mian Anjum Nisar, Muhammad Ali Mian, former Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar, and former Vice President Faheem Rehman Sehgal also shared their views in support of the strike.
LCCI has invited traders once again on July 23 for a thank-you meeting and to discuss the future course of action. Mian Abuzar Shad concluded by thanking the media for amplifying the traders’ voice and conveying their message to the nation.
