SAHIWAL, July 10: The commission agents of the grain markets of Punjab, in a provincial level convention held here on Sunday, decided the launch of a protest movement against enhancement in taxes.

They decided that they would take out protest processions from July 15 and observe a complete strike from July 17.

Commission Agents Association, Punjab, president Sheikh AFzal said the government on the one hand claimed that it had announced a tax-free budget while on the other it had increased taxes. It increased tax on withdrawal of Rs25,000 and above from banks from 0.1 per cent to 0.2 per cent.

They said farmers wanted cash for their produce and they (agents) have to pay additional tax on withdrawal of cash.

They criticised increase in tax on purchase of land to be paid by the buyer and fee for registration of the sale deed.

Moreover, the government was planning to impose four new taxes. These taxes would usher in a new wave of price hike in the country, they added.

Muhammad Mansha, Ziaul Haq and others who also condemned the imposition of withholding tax and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

Later, they constituted Markazi Anjuman Arhtian, Punjab.