[:en]LAHORE (Tribune Int’l) – Traders across Pakistan staged a widespread shutter-down strike in response to the government’s new tax reforms, including the controversial Tajir Dost Scheme.
This scheme, introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in March, aimed to formalize the retail sector but has faced backlash for imposing high tax burden on small businesses.
Traders’ associations such as Karachi Chamber of Commerce and the Central Association of Tajran Pakistan supported the strike, highlighting grievances over tax rates and rising utility bills. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar saw a significant disruption, with shops and Business closed. Opposition parties and groups, including the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazal and the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, voiced support for the traders.
Despite unrest the FBR chairman chief Rashid Mehmood stated the bord is open to adjustments but not ready to withdraw the scheme.[:]