Karachi: In a decisive move, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), under the leadership of President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, has announced its full support for the countrywide traders’ strike scheduled for August 28. The strike aims to pressure the government into withdrawing the contentious Tajir Dost Scheme and addressing the surging electricity bills and tax rates.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President Sheikh has urged all chamber members to close their businesses completely on the strike day, highlighting the community’s discontent with the Tajir Dost Scheme. This initiative originally promised minimal taxation—between Rs1,000 and Rs1,200—but has escalated to demanding an unmanageable advance tax of Rs60,000 per month from both registered and unregistered traders, leading to widespread frustration and anxiety among shopkeepers.

Sheikh emphasized the chamber’s stance, stating, “This scheme must be revisited immediately, and only those measures that are practically implementable and acceptable to all stakeholders should be adopted.” He also noted that despite repeated warnings to policymakers about the flawed implementation of the scheme, no corrective actions have been taken.

The KCCI’s commitment to standing with small traders and shopkeepers is clear, with Sheikh affirming the chamber’s role as a leading voice in the business community, advocating for resolutions that align with traders’ expectations. He also highlighted the additional burden of soaring inflation and increasing utility costs, making a strong case for government intervention to provide necessary relief instead of imposing further financial strains.