Traders attempt to march towards FBR headquarters as both rounds of talks fail

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Traders attempted to march towards the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Headquarters in protest against the new tax laws on Wednesday. The administration stopped the protesters from marching towards FBR Headquarters at Serena Chowk. They chanted slogans against the government and the FBR. They also staged a sit-in at Serena Chowk. The Red Zone was sealed by erecting barbed wires. Meanwhile, both rounds of talks between the traders and the FBR failed. The FBR high-ups refused to assure the protesters of fulfilling their demands in writing. Traders were adamant to a written agreement and handed over a nine-point agenda to the FBR officers who assured that their demands would be sent to the FBR chairman. Talking to the media after the failed talks, the traders’ leaders said that they would observe a token hunger strike for one hour in all cities of the country from October 10 to 15. They announced a complete shutdown on October 28 and 29 across the country. They said that they would continue their protest if their demands were not fulfilled. They said that they are ready to pay the tax, but the FBR is not ready to listen to them. The traders demanded that the CNIC condition should be abolished on the amount of Rs 50,000. They demanded withdrawal of the notice.