On Tuesday, the Traders Association Rawalpindi officially opposed the fresh sanitation tax tied to the Suthra Punjab program, issuing a warning of demonstrations if provincial authorities fail to cancel the fee.
Markazi Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi President Malik Shahid Ghafoor Paracha spoke at a press conference hosted at the Rawalpindi Press Club, raising concerns about why distinct sanitation fees are necessary given that business owners already settle property taxes, Water and Sanitation Agency bills, and other charges.
“Why is there a separate levy for sanitation when property taxes, Wasa bills and other charges are already being collected? The government should spare traders from additional financial burdens,” Paracha said.
Paracha noted that local enterprises already struggle with inflation, expensive electricity and gas statements, government levies, and escalating expenses. He stated that the fresh monthly fees applied to retail shops and commercial hubs would push up operating costs even higher, hitting small shopkeepers hardest.
The business community urged officials to cancel the charge and explain exactly which tasks the new billing addresses, pointing out that current payments might already cover municipal cleaning work.
Raja Tauheed Ahmed, the general secretary of the association, asked authorities to examine current levies and provide clear accounting before adding new bills. Business representatives stated they back proper cleaning efforts but refuse extra fees while current billing remains unclear.
