Traders all over the country observe a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the government’s tax reforms and the rising cost of electricity.

Political parties such as the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Awami National Party (ANP) have extended their support to the traders, endorsing the strike across the country.

In Karachi, the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Karachi had announced a complete closure of business today ahead of the strike.

“The political leadership has failed,” said Javed Shams, the president of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran’s Sindh chapter, announcing his support for the nationwide strike.

Shams added that all business will be completely closed today in all small and big cities of Sindh. “[We] reject the hike in taxes and electricity bills.”

He added that the ruling class wants to take away the right to live from the business class and the people, insisting that the “Trader Friendly Scheme” is not acceptable in its current form.

The Karachi Electronics Dealers Association has also backed the strike call. KEDA President Mohammad Rizwan said all trade unions from Karachi to Khyber are participating in the strike.

“If the issues are not resolved, the duration of the strike may increase,” said Rizwan.

All Karachi Traders Union President Atiq Mir termed the strike as one of the citizens and not traders. “The common man is worried about inflation.”