Muqam urges extension of tax exemptions in former FATA, PATA regions

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam Tuesday called for the continuation of tax exemptions in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA), emphasizing that the regions continue to face economic challenges due to years of conflict and displacement.

Speaking during the budget debate in the National Assembly, the minister said the federal government had made consistent efforts to implement commitments made with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government and stressed the importance of sustained dialogue between federal and regional stakeholders to ensure governance and economic stability.

Amir Muqam said several rounds of negotiations with stakeholders, conducted through a Kashmir Action Committee, had resulted in a 38-point agreement aimed at addressing key issues.

The minister said that a legal committee had also been constituted to examine various proposals and facilitate the implementation of agreed measures.

Reiterating the government's commitment to democratic governance, the minister said elected representatives should be empowered to make decisions through constitutional processes, adding that democratic continuity remained essential for addressing governance challenges in the region.

Referring to recent diplomatic developments, Amir Muqam said the outcome of an agreement reached in Geneva as a source of national pride.

He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership, saying their efforts had contributed to peace, stability and Pakistan’s enhanced standing on the international stage.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s resilience during "Marka-e-Haq," saying that the country had successfully countered a much larger adversary and emerged stronger globally since May 10.

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Discussing governance in Gilgit-Baltistan, Muqam said elections had been conducted transparently with the participation of all major political parties.

He said that the federal government had consistently respected democratic mandates, citing examples from both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan where governments were formed according to electoral majorities.

Highlighting the sacrifices made by residents of the former tribal areas, the minister said local businesses should not be burdened with taxation under prevailing circumstances.

He recalled that the issue had previously been raised with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved an extension of tax relief until 2025.

Amir Muqam said that the matter had recently been discussed with the Chairman of the Federal board of Revenue (FBR), reiterating the need to maintain tax exemptions in the former FATA and PATA regions to support economic recovery and livelihoods.

The minister also drew attention to the challenges faced by tobacco growers in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and proposed the formation of a joint federal-provincial committee to address issues related to pricing, procurement and farmers' welfare.

Commenting on the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Muqam urged political parties enjoying strong public mandates to focus on governance and service delivery rather than protests and road blockades.

He stressed the need to prioritize development, stability and public welfare.

The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights across all regions and resolving administrative and economic challenges through dialogue, consultation and consensus-building.

APP/sra-tsw