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

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

He said that the imposition of unjustified 17% sales tax, turn over tax and CNIC-based invoicing system had made it impossible for the community to run the businesses.

The Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi Chambers of Commerce & Industry have strongly favoured a countrywide shutter down strike of the business community.

The charter of demands for the two-day strike that will be conducted on October 29 and 30 includes:

• 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