Flour Mill Owners Threaten Strike Over Tax Imposition
Flour mill owners are gearing up for a nationwide strike on July 11 in protest against the newly imposed 2.5 percent withholding tax in the budget 2024-25. The threat was made in response to the increasing electricity bills and tax burdens, making it difficult for them to sustain their businesses.
Chairman of the Flour Mills Association Sindh, Aamir Abdullah, stated that they would halt operations starting July 10 and proceed with a complete strike the following day if their demands were not met. The association warned of a potential price hike of Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kilogram of flour if the tax was not withdrawn.
The looming strike could lead to the closure of flour mills nationwide, impacting consumers and retailers alike. The association estimates a significant increase in the prices of wheat products, including a potential rise to Rs 460 per sack of fine flour.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these threats and the potential impact on the availability and affordability of flour in the country.