Sizing industry and power-looms units observed complete shutter down strike, here on Sunday, and a large number of industrialists, traders and industrial workers staged a big protest rally against the three ordinances enforcing 17.5 percent Sales Tax, Federal Excise Duty and 15 percent Flood Surcharge over the existing Income Tax.
Addressing a protest rally at Chowk Clock Tower, Shakeel Ahmad Ansari, Chairman All Pakistan Sizing Industries Association announced that the protest rallies will continue till acceptance of demands, including withdrawal of the ordinances. Waheed Khaliq Ramey, Chairman, Council of Looms Owners and other also addressed the rally.
Moreover, Chaudhry Salamat Ali, Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association North Zone has expressed grave concern over the taxation policy. He said that federal government has imposed several taxes on various segments of textile sector including sales tax on textile business chain, affecting ginners, spinners, weavers, hosiery manufacturers and small-scale ancillaries. Resultantly, the industrial sector has become sick and trading sector bankrupt.
Salamat Ali said that just after the enforcement of three ordinances as mini budget, every person is paying tax indirectly on mobile balance and withdrawal of money from bank. He demanded that three ordinance should be withdrawn immediately in the best interest of the country.
Syed Fahim Mehmood Shah, Chairman Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association, Punjab and Khabir Pakhtunkhwa Zone out-rightly rejected the three ordinances of the president and announced that they will strongly oppose the harsh mini budget.
Meanwhile, yarn and grey cloth merchants have announced to close down their business on March 21 to register protest against the forcible enforcement of 19.5 percent General Sales Tax.