Flour Mills Across Pakistan Announce Shutdown Amidst Tax Protest

Lahore: Flour mills nationwide have declared a halt in wheat grinding and supply, following failed negotiations with the government over the implementation of additional taxes introduced in the federal budget. Concerns are mounting over a potential rise in flour prices as Flour Mills today announced the cessation of wheat processing and distribution across the country.
Moreover, Flour Mill owners have refused to retract their strike until the issue of the Wheat Holding Tax is resolved with the federal government. In the initial phase of their protest, Flour Mills have ceased washing wheat across the country, and starting tomorrow, mills nationwide will halt milling and supply operations.
Earlier, in Lahore, Flour Mills Association and Pakistan Flour Mills Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had announced a strike starting today, with supplies of flour expected to remain disrupted. The Pakistan Flour Mills Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rejected the new taxes and announced a province-wide strike on Thursday, expressing concerns that a sack of 20 kilograms of flour could see prices rise to PKR 250.
President of the Flour Mills Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has warned that unjust taxes will further increase flour prices, demanding the withdrawal of taxes. He stated, “Despite surplus wheat in the country, Punjab has imposed restrictions on wheat transportation.”
On the other hand, Azam Bukhari has expressed concern over the potential increase in flour prices despite not buying wheat. He said controlling flour prices without purchasing wheat is not easy.