Rawalpindi Traders Threaten Protests Over New Tax

News Desk

RAWALPINDI: The Traders’ Association Rawalpindi has vehemently rejected the newly introduced ‘Suthra Punjab’ (Clean Punjab) sanitation tax, warning the provincial government of impending protests if the tax is not rescinded. The announcement came during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Press Club.

Malik Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, President of the Markazi Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi, expressed frustration over the additional financial burden placed on traders.

He questioned the rationale behind a separate sanitation levy when businesses are already subject to property taxes, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) bills, and various other charges. “Instead of imposing new sanitation charges on traders, a comprehensive review of existing levies and related bills should be conducted,” he stated.

The association’s leadership, including General Secretary Raja Tauheed Ahmed, emphasized that the monthly sanitation fees imposed on shops and commercial centers under the Clean Punjab Programme are unacceptable.

The business community, already grappling with economic challenges, views this tax as an additional strain on their operations.

As the situation develops, traders are preparing to mobilize for protests if their demands are not met.

The association is calling for dialogue with government officials to address their concerns and seek a resolution that does not further burden the business sector.