Islamabad, Dec 7: In an effort to tackle the worsening economic crisis, the government has significantly raised professional taxes for businesses in the Rawalpindi division, drawing sharp criticism from traders.
The government has sent tax notices ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs0.2 million to shopkeepers, prompting protests from trade associations.
The Markazi Anjuman Tajran, a central body of traders, has urged shopkeepers to withhold payments, labeling the hikes as unjustified. Notably, milk and yoghurt vendors in upscale Rawalpindi areas now face an annual tax of Rs200,000, sparking outrage.
Small businesses, including grocery stores, barbers, welders, and food outlets, must now pay Rs30,000 to Rs50,000 annually, a stark increase from the previous Rs1,500 to Rs3,000 range.
Trade leaders condemned the hikes, with Sharjeel Mir, president of the Markazi Anjuman Tajran, calling them unbearable.
Salim Parvez Butt of the Kiriana Merchants Association criticized the Rs200,000 tax on milk sellers as “cruel and absurd,” accusing the government of targeting small shopkeepers while maintaining extravagant lifestyles. The Markazi Anjuman Tajran plans to meet with tax officials to demand a reversal of the increases.
