Complete shutter-down strike observed in Bara against taxes, inflation

Khyber - A complete shutter-down strike was observed in Bara Bazaar of Khyber district on Thursday against the imposition of the 'Bhatha Tax' (extortion levy), petroleum levy, rising taxes and inflation, on the call of Jamaat-e-Islami central emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. All markets and shops remained closed during the strike, bringing commercial activity in Bara Bazaar to a standstill. A protest demonstration was also held and attended by local residents, Jamaat-e-Islami activists, traders and elders. The protesters were led by the party's district emir Shah Faisal Afridi, Bara tehsil emir Muhammad Khan, Deputy Emir Khan Wali Afridi and leaders of the traders' union. Kundi stresses disaster training for KP youth as 3,000 scouts target set Addressing the protesters, speakers expressed concern over what they described as the government's misguided economic policies, soaring inflation, the petroleum levy and additional taxes imposed on the public. They said the people and business community were already facing severe economic difficulties because of inflation and financial pressures, adding that further taxes and levies would place an additional burden on them. The protesters demanded immediate economic relief for the public and traders, withdrawal of what they described as unnecessary taxes and the petroleum levy, and effective measures to control inflation. Shafi Jan says Sindh ready to join Sept 27 PTI long march They warned that if their demands were not addressed, the scope of the protest would be extended to other parts of the country. Tags: completeshutterstrikeobserved