Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is escalating its response to ongoing economic challenges with a nationwide strike planned for August 28.
This comes after recent protests and discussions over high power tariffs and IPP agreements.
The party, which recently ended a sit-in protest, is now demanding a nationwide shutdown to pressure the federal government for more relief measures.
In a press conference in Islamabad, Baloch announced that the business community unanimously agreed on the strike due to soaring inflation, rising electricity prices, and heavy taxation.
He warned that any government interference could lead to disorder.
Baloch reminded that JI had previously staged a 14-day protest in Rawalpindi, which resulted in an agreement with the federal government to address JI’s demands, including a one-month deadline to review IPP contracts.
He urged the government to honour this agreement and suggested that a long march to Islamabad could be considered if necessary.
Despite the postponement of the sit-in, JI remains committed to seeking public relief.
Two weeks ago, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman had called for a peaceful protest in collaboration with trader groups. This strike follows the postponement of an August 9 sit-in, which was halted after successful negotiations over power tariffs and IPP agreements.
Baloch also criticised the new Rs60,000 monthly tax on shops as burdensome, arguing it forces shopkeepers to act as tax collectors for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He vowed resistance to any FBR inspections and warned that shopkeepers would surround FBR teams if they arrive.
Traders’ Support for the Strike
The Central Traders Association (CTA) and Sindh Traders Alliance (STA) have announced their backing for the August 28 strike to protest high electricity costs and ongoing IPP agreements. CTA President Kashif Chaudhry stressed the importance of the strike for economic stability and business survival.
Atiq Mir, a leading trader, accused the government of exacerbating the crisis with higher taxes and electricity tariffs while maintaining its own luxuries. Support for the strike has also been confirmed by representatives from Balochistan, showing broad support for the protest.
Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry, President of the Rawalpindi Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets, and Bakers Association Pakistan, also supports the strike and demands a review of the tax policy. Old city trade associations have condemned the government’s economic policies as “anti-traders and anti-public” and rejected the “so-called” trader-friendly tax scheme.
Mehmood Hamid, President of the All Pakistan Small Traders and Cottage Industry, Karachi, announced support for the Wednesday strike, claiming the Rs60,000 advance tax ultimately burdens the public.