Business owners in Pakistan staged a strike on Wednesday, closing down their shops in protest of the increase in electricity prices and new taxes imposed on them.
The government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been raising electricity rates as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a new loan. This has led to higher living costs and widespread discontent among the public.
Most public markets in Pakistan were shut down during the strike, with the exception of pharmacies and grocery stores selling essential items. Strike leader Kashif Chaudhry explained that these were kept open to avoid inconvenience to the general public.
The strike affected major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with traders unions supporting the cause.
While some provinces observed a partial strike, the main objective of the protest is to urge the government to reverse the recent increases in electricity prices and the controversial tax imposed after the IMF negotiations.
Pakistan’s reliance on IMF bailouts to stabilize its economy has led to higher taxes, including on electricity, which has been met with resistance from the public. Despite previous protests, the situation has not improved for many Pakistanis.
Naeem-ur-Rehman, who initiated the strike, has been actively involved in protesting against rising electricity bills and advocating for the traders’ cause.