950825

Lahore traders

determined to

hold strike

on 26th, 27th

ALMAS A KHAN

LAHORE: Traders are determined to observe strike against the three controversial columns in the new income tax form, despite the assurance of the Punjab government that the trading community's demands would be considered after holding of meaningful a dialogue.

A big chunk of political parties including, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Jamaat-i-Islami, ANP and others have already extended their support to the strike call of the trading community. The strike call has been given by the President, Anjuman-i-Tajiran, Punjab, Haji Maqsood Butt, and the traders will keep their shutters closed on August 26 and 27.

Talking to Business Recorder, Butt said that he has convened a business convention after the strike in which the traders would evolve their future line of action. He said that the trading community would observe complete strike on August 26 and 27 against the indifferent attitude of the government their demands.

He assured that the traders would observe a peaceful strike and nobody would be forced to shut his business close. He said he was battling for the rights of the business community.

Asked whether or not the strike was politically motivated, the President Anuman-i-Tajiran, Punjab, said that it was not politically motivated as the sister organization of PPP, Peoples Traders Cell and Incharge PML (J) Complaint Cell have also extended their unconditional support to the strike. The trading community is collectively fighting for its rights, he said.

To a query regarding the invitation of the Punjab government for holding a dialogue, Butt said that the traders were ready to hold meaningful parleys. But their condition was that they would only hold talks with the Governor of Punjab.

Meanwhile, the traders of the city observed a token hunger strike on the fifth consecutive day on Friday to press the government for the acceptance of their demands. The president of major markets were in the hunger camp, including Haji Maqsood Butt.