Faisalabad-based industrialists announce sit-in against sales tax in power bills

FAISALABAD (92 News) - Faisalabad-based industrialists have rejected the inclusion of sales tax in the power bills, announcing to stage a sit-in in Islamabad along with 1.2 million workers.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) president Atif Munir Sheikh said that they cannot not run the industry at the present rates of gas and electricity.

He said that the government had imposed a new tax instead of providing gas and electricity at subsidized rates. "We will not pay the sales tax in bills," he added.

Atif Munir Sheikh threatened to close the industry after Youm-e-Ashur. "Political instability has destroyed business. Politicians should sit together to work on the charter of industry," he added.

He said that he had been in contact with presidents of 58 chambers and would try to save the industry.

Speakers said that the traders would boycott political parties in the general elections. "The government has brought the industry on the verge of destruction. Prices of gas and electricity have been increased. We are suffering losses for running industries. The retailers tax should be withdrawn," they demanded.

They threatened to close the entire city if their demands were not met.