The traders' associations and protesting doctors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have categorically refused to join the Azadi March announced by Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran (APAT) and Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran, Pakistan have announced disassociation with the Azadi march of JUI-F chief, saying both have different agendas. All factions of trader organizations have announced a two-day shutter-down strike on October 29-30, after their talks with Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) failed on issues ranging from mandatory sales tax registration, computerized national identity card (CNIC) condition and fixed tax regime.
Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran, Pakistan, President Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry told Business Recorder that traders have announced two-day shutter down strike on October 29-30 against the government's economic policies, however all markets would be opened next day i.e. October 31.
Replying to a question Chaudhry said that traders have nothing to do with the JUI-F Azadi march as it has a political agenda and for political gains. Traders have a totally different agenda i.e. traders and businesses protection. Traders would not join the Azadi March, he categorically stated. "We are opposed to the government's economic policies dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)", said Chaudhry, adding that they would announce next strategy if government fails too resolve their concerns.
APAT central president, Ajmal Baloch, also announced their dissociation from the JUI-F Azadi March saying that there is no possibility to join the march. "Traders would observe only two days shutter down strike i.e. October 29 & 30, however Maulana is planning for sit-in. All markets would be opened on October 31, the date Maulana is planning to enter the federal capital", said Baloch, adding that both have different agendas. "Traders strike call is against FBR while Azadi March is to oust the government", he added. He also made it clear that there was no political agenda behind their strike call and they wanted only welfare of traders and revival of the economic activities. He said he was ready for talks with serious government officials to resolve the issue.
The protesting doctors of KP also categorically announced their disassociation from the Azadi March of JUI-F. Talking to Business Recorder Grand Health Alliance President Dr Alamgir Khan said that doctors have different agenda from that of JUI-F chief. Maulana has political agenda and wants to get rid of the government and Imran Khan while doctors are protesting for their rights. "It is not possible to join the Azadi march at any point", said Dr Alamgir Khan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
Comments
Comments are closed.