Small traders demand special relief in power bills

October 12, 2026 (MLN): Traders' representatives have called on the government to introduce targeted relief in electricity bills for small businesses, similar to the fuel subsidy, to reduce operating costs and revive commercial activity.

The demand was raised at a meeting led by Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajiran Pakistan District President Syed Jafar Ali Shah, along with Sheikh Javed Akhtar, Khalid Mehmood Qureshi and Alhaj Babar Ali Qureshi, according to APP.

The traders' leaders said persistent inflation had eroded consumers' purchasing power, weakening market demand and causing a substantial decline in sales. They added that rising electricity bills, shop rents and other business expenses were placing growing financial pressure on small traders.

They highlighted the contribution of small businesses to the national economy, noting that the sector supports millions of livelihoods. However, the increasing cost of running businesses has made it increasingly difficult for traders to sustain their operations.

The leaders urged the government to announce immediate relief in electricity bills and introduce a special concession in power tariffs for small traders. They said such measures could ease the financial burden on businesses, support commercial sustainability and help restore economic activity.

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