Rulers Must Change Their Mindset of Viewing Traders as Criminals: Awami Tajir Ittehad

A special emergency meeting of Awami Tajir Ittehad Pakistan was held, during which strong reservations were expressed regarding Act 37AA. Senior leaders of the Awami Tajir Ittehad unanimously demanded the immediate withdrawal of this controversial, unjust, and anti-business act, which is feared to be used against the trading community.

Awami Tajir Ittehad Pakistan also announced its full support for the peaceful protest and strike organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce on July 19 against this act. The meeting was chaired by senior leader Haji Muhammad Ishaq.

While addressing the meeting, Advocate Rashid Chaudhry, a leader of Awami Tajir Ittehad, said that this act has become a new tool to harass the trader community. He stated that Act 37AA grants the FBR sweeping powers, including warrantless raids, record seizures, and arrests, which not only damage the traders’ confidence but also severely impact the business environment.

He emphasized that through this law, traders are being presumed guilty in advance, even though they are law-abiding citizens who conduct business with integrity. He termed the law “anti-business” and an “economic killer” and demanded its repeal.

Advocate Rashid Chaudhry also expressed deep concern over the exorbitant increases in taxes and energy prices, saying that poor economic policies have pushed the business community into a severe crisis, leading to a paralyzed economy. He lamented that the business class has been pushed to the wall—small traders are being devastated, and even large-scale business owners are feeling insecure.

He added that the storm of inflation has not only affected the general public but has also left the trader community helpless. Traders are the backbone of the country’s economy, yet they are being forced to take to the streets in protest.

The meeting was attended by Saqib Bhatti, Shehzad Khan, and other trader leaders.