Quetta:Today, the Flour Mills Association of Pakistan has announced a nationwide strike in protest against the government’s imposition of a wheat holding tax. Led by Chairman Nasir Agha, the association has taken the drastic step of halting all operations related to wheat packaging and distribution across Balochistan and other regions of Pakistan.
The strike, which commenced this Thursday, is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in the supply of flour, prompting concerns about potential shortages, particularly in Quetta and throughout Balochistan. Chairman Agha expressed deep concern over the impact of the strike, warning that if the government does not rescind the tax, the price of flour could rise by up to Rs. 200 per bag, translating to an increase of Rs. 10 per kilogram—a burden that would be intolerable for ordinary consumers.
In a firm stance against the government’s policy, Agha emphasized that flour mills would not resume operations until the wheat holding tax is withdrawn completely. He also made clear that the association will not cooperate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in collecting these taxes, asserting that tax collection is the exclusive responsibility of the government.
Despite the Flour Mills Association’s demands, the government has thus far refused to reconsider its decision, prompting the association to escalate their protest with the second phase of their strike, which includes the suspension of wheat and flour supplies nationwide. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their respective positions, leaving the resolution of the crisis uncertain.
