Traders reject smart lockdown, demand petrol at Rs250

ISLAMABAD: The Central Organization of Traders of Pakistan announced the end of the smart lockdown and demanded that the price of petrol be reduced to Rs 250 per liter.

According to details, the President of the Central Organization of Traders of Pakistan, Kashif Chaudhry, while holding a press conference, severely criticized the policies of the government and bureaucracy.

He said that the police and the “police van culture” have destroyed business, while traders are facing unnecessary pressure and actions.

He said that in the name of lockdown, traders are being abused and strict actions are being taken in the markets. At 8 pm, the police raid the markets like the Israeli army.

Kashif Chaudhry alleged that traders are being exploited by regulatory institutions in the country, while the prices of electricity and petrol are also unbearable for the public and the business community.

The business leader said that the nation is being robbed with both hands through IPPs, petrol in Pakistan costs Rs 246 and is being sold for Rs 400, the government has brought the price of petrol to Rs 250 per liter.

He said that the business community is paying 21 types of taxes in the country and there is a need to simplify the tax system. He demanded that the income tax return form be simplified and a fixed tax system be implemented.

It was further said that the prices of electricity and petroleum products should be reduced immediately, while the capacity charges and corporate taxes of IPPs should be abolished.

Talking about the smart lockdown in Pakistan, he said that this policy should be ended immediately, otherwise the business community will make its own decisions.

He announced that if the demands are not accepted, the smart lockdown will be ended after three days and the government will be responsible for its consequences.