Trader associations of Pakistan is observing a two-day strike across the country to protest ‘massive taxes’ imposed by the government on October 29 and 30.

The strike was announced by the Central General Secretary Naeem Mir of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran (APAT) while addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club.

He said that the reason for the strike is the imposition of unjustified 17% sales tax, turn over tax, CNIC-bases invoicing system had made difficult for the traders to run the business.

The nationwide strike by the traders have been favored by the Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

The charter of demands for the two-day strike included:

• The abolition of the condition to submit CNIC
• Restoration of the 1.2 million rupees income limit for income tax
• Announcement of fixed tax scheme for traders
• Stoppage of actions by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for the registration of mobile phones
• Restoration of the old property tax system
• Stoppage of the imposition of penalties by different institutions and the collection of professional tax from professionals and organizations
• Reduction in trade tax