The supply of cement across Pakistan has been halted indefinitely, as All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers and All Pakistan Cement Distributors have united in a nationwide strike.
This strike follows similar strikes by petroleum dealers and flour mills, adding to the growing unrest in the country's commercial sectors.
The decision to cease cement distribution stems from grievances related to the implementation of a withholding tax and the introduction of a point-of-sale (POS) system. The All Pakistan Cement Dealers Association has stopped the supply of cement indefinitely across the country. Its chairman said that the implementation of withholding tax had led to cement companies doubling the price.
Sajid Ali explained that the withholding tax was imposed by including the cement sector in the third schedule in the recent federal budget, significantly impacting the industry's financial dynamics.
"The withholding tax has led to a substantial increase in cement prices, with the cost per sack soaring from Rs500 to Rs1,500," said Sajid Ali. He added that cement did not fall under the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) category. This tax burden, he argued, is unfair and has led to the doubling of cement prices by manufacturers.
In response to these financial pressures, the All Pakistan Cement Dealers Association has decided to halt the supply of cement nationwide until their demands are addressed. "Cement distribution has been closed due to the withholding tax and the POS system. We will continue our strike until our demands are met," declared Sajid Ali.
