Islamabad: All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran (APAT) on Wednesday announced nationwide strike on Oct 28 and Oct 29 as stalemate persisted in talks between representatives of traders unions and officials of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
As per details garnered, officials of the tax-collection body held two rounds of negotiations with traders in Islamabad that resulted in the stalemate.
Sources privy to tax-collection body have revealed that FBR has rejected to bow down before traders’ pressure and made it overtly clear that conditions of CNIC and sales tax would not be withdrawn.
Ajmal Baloch, the president of All Pakistan Trade Union, told GNN that traders would not accept condition of CNIC.
“Govt can take whatever step it wants, but we [traders] will not give CNIC”, Baloch was quoted as saying.
With the announcement of countrywide strike, traders ended the protest rally.
Earlier today, Islamabad Police arrested several protesters after traders and security officials faced off here in the federal capital.
The protesters wanted to march towards the headquarters of the FBR. However, police halted them and resorted to baton charge. Several traders and policemen sustained critical injuries in the clash.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) has issued notification regarding cancellation of holidays of the officials. The decision has been taken against the backdrop of prevailing law and order situation in the federal capital.
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