Traders Say Pakistan Facing Worst Economic Pressure in 70 Years, Demand Relief Measures

Islamabad: The President of the All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran, Ajmal Baloch, has said that the country is facing the most severe economic challenges in the last 70 years, claiming that inflation and heavy taxation have severely damaged business activity across the country.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with trader representatives from across the country, Ajmal Baloch said that commercial activity in markets and bazaars has dropped by nearly 70 percent, with shopkeepers struggling to attract customers.

He further claimed that around 120 million citizens have lost their purchasing power and are now only focused on meeting basic survival needs. He added that these figures are not only from traders’ assessments but have also been reflected in reports attributed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The trader leader said that rising electricity bills, fuel prices, and excessive taxation have made it extremely difficult for small and large businesses to operate. He stated that the business community has never faced such severe conditions in the country’s history of over seven decades.

Ajmal Baloch demanded immediate tax relief for traders, calling for a reduction in complex and burdensome tax structures imposed on the business sector. He also urged the government to withdraw excessive charges and tariffs included in commercial electricity bills.

He warned that if the government fails to provide immediate relief to the business community, traders across the country may be forced to launch nationwide protests.