The All Pakistan Wholesale Grocers Association has initiated a three-day nationwide strike to protest the recent imposition of withholding tax, as outlined in the 2024-25 fiscal budget.
The strike commenced today and has led to the closure of all grain and wholesale markets across Pakistan, significantly affecting cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, and Kohat.
This collective action underscores the business community’s concerns over the new tax measures, which they argue could profoundly impact businesses and the accessibility of basic foodstuffs, such as rice and lentils, for the general population.
The Association has expressed a firm stance against the withholding tax, warning that if their grievances are not addressed by August 6, they will escalate their protest actions and outline further strategies to oppose the tax implementation. They have articulated clearly that the protest could intensify if the government fails to rescind the controversial tax measures.
In Lahore, the prominent Akbari Mandi remains shuttered for the strike. Azhar Iqbal, the President of Akbari Mandi, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the tax burden, particularly criticizing the proposed 18% sales tax and additional 3% withholding tax on lentil imports. Iqbal warned that these taxes could drive up lentil prices by 50 to 100 rupees per kilogram, disproportionately affecting low-income consumers and escalating food insecurity among the poor.
