APC in Malakand rejects tax imposition

Political parties, traders, civil society demand respect for region's special constitutional status

CHAKDARA:

An All-Parties Conference was held on Saturday at Chakdara in Malakand Division against the imposition of taxes, under the aegis of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Political leaders from various districts of Malakand Division, representatives of traders' organizations, and members of civil society attended the event.

Speakers categorically rejected the imposition of any kind of taxes in Malakand Division, declaring that all political parties would rise above their political differences and launch a united struggle against the decision. They urged the government to take into account the special constitutional status and prevailing economic conditions of Malakand Division and the former tribal districts.

In a joint resolution issued at the conclusion of the conference, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha stated that economic reforms in the former PATA and FATA regions are essential. However, he added, the federal government should convene a jirga comprising elected Members of the Provincial Assembly and Senators from Malakand Division and give due importance to their recommendations. He warned that if tax exemptions are not maintained, all parties will jointly formulate a course of action within the bounds of the Constitution and law to protect the rights of the people.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in his address, said that Malakand Division and the former FATA are currently grappling with poverty, insecurity, and economic instability. In such circumstances, the imposition of taxes would amount to placing an additional burden on the public. He stressed that the provincial government must adopt a clear stance on the issue and the federal government should review its decision.

The Governor further remarked that the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are already facing hardships due to a lack of employment opportunities, industries, and development projects, making the enforcement of new taxes inappropriate. He also expressed regret over the non-release of development funds announced by the federal government for the former FATA.