LAHORE: Pakistan’s leading traders’ body has warned of a nationwide shutter-down strike unless the government reverses what it calls crippling economic policies.
Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry, Central President of the Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran Pakistan, issued the warning at a press conference held at the Lahore Press Club, attended by trade leaders and journalists from across the country.
Chaudhry accused the government’s economic team of sidelining the business community while imposing steep hikes in electricity and gas prices alongside what he described as oppressive taxes. He argued that traders — the backbone of Pakistan’s economy — can no longer afford basic operating costs such as shop rents and utility bills.
He called on authorities to scrap surcharges on electricity bills, simplify the tax system, and reduce elite privileges rather than blindly following IMF conditions.
Other trade leaders echoed these concerns, warning that unchecked economic pressure could trigger a new wave of unemployment and poverty nationwide.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026