TAXILA, July 2: Construction activities in the commercial and public sector have come to a halt after kiln owners suspended supply of bricks in protest against imposition of General Sales Tax (GST) on them.People constructing their houses are facing hardship as they have to pay wages to the hired construction labourers without any work. They feared that the commercial and public sector, especially individuals, would have to bear heavy expenses after imposition of the 16 per cent GST on brick kilns.

Mohammad Zubair, a government servant, told this scribe that he had started construction of his house by taking loan from his department. However, twice strike by kiln owners during the last two months has badly affected his project.

Salahuddin, an investor and town planner, said the situation would put negative impacts on the construction industry. He said the strike was not only causing negative impact on the economy but would also increase the suffering of the labour class.

He urged the government to resolve the issue in the interest of the poor.

Faisal Iqbal, another town planner, said due to suspension of supply of bricks the construction activities had come to a halt.

President brick manufacturers association Taxila, Wah Cantonment chapter, Hassnian Shah said more than 30 kiln owners operating in the city had suspended supply to the domestic and commercial users to protest the 16 per cent GST on bricks.

He said the imposition of GST would open a new door to corruption for the tax officials as tax on kilns was not possible practically as it was not produced by machines but manually.

“Bricks are the cheapest material when it comes to the quantity used in construction work. But once the GST is imposed, the prices will obviously go up,” said Mr Shah.