Traders warn of shutter down strike

MULTAN: The Markazi Anjuman Tajran Pakistan (MATP) has expressed concern over the government’s plan to introduce a mini-budget.

They argued that this will put businesses in jeopardy by imposing additional taxes. The current tax burden had already hindered business growth and increased production costs, especially in light of rising electricity tariffs, Kashif Chaudhry, MATP Chairman said while addressing a press conference. He issued a stern warning that if the government proceeded with the mini-budget, the traders will resort to a nationwide shutter-down strike.

He called on the government to prioritize economic stability by cutting unnecessary spending and providing relief to small businesses and farmers. The MATP said the overburdened taxes had already dimmed the possibilities of a successful business. The growing hike had increased the cost of production, shrinking the space for business in light of the electricity tariff.