JAVED UR REHMAN
CHAKDARA: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly opposed the proposed imposition of taxes in Malakand Division and the merged tribal districts, saying the move would place an unfair financial burden on people already struggling with poverty, insecurity and economic instability.
Addressing an all-parties conference organised by the Pakistan Peoples Party in Chakdara against the proposed taxes, Governor Kundi said Malakand Division and the former FATA continue to face serious economic and security challenges. He stressed that imposing taxes under such circumstances would be unjust and urged the provincial government to adopt a clear stance while calling on the federal government to immediately review its decision.
The Governor said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are already suffering due to limited employment opportunities, lack of industrial growth and insufficient development projects. He also expressed regret over the non-release of the Rs100 billion development package announced by the federal government for the merged tribal districts, saying the funds should be released without further delay to support the region’s development.
At the conclusion of the conference, PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha issued a joint declaration on behalf of the participating political parties. The declaration acknowledged the need for economic reforms in Malakand Division and the former FATA but urged the federal government to convene a jirga of elected representatives from the region before making any decision regarding taxation.
The declaration further stated that if the tax exemption granted to the region is withdrawn, all political parties would jointly launch a constitutional and democratic campaign to safeguard the rights of the people.
The conference was attended by leaders from major political parties, including PPP Central Secretary General Humayun Khan, PTI KP President Junaid Akbar Khan, ANP Provincial General Secretary Hussain Shah Khan Yousafzai, JUI-F leaders Sirajuddin and Maulana Abdul Rashid, PML-N leaders Malik Jahanzeb and Shahabuddin Khan, Trade Union Malakand Division President Abdul Rahim, PPP leaders Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, Najmuddin Khan, Malik Azmat Khan and Akhunzada Chattan, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shah Raza Khan, as well as representatives of traders’ bodies, lawyers’ associations and civil society organisations from across Malakand Division.
Speakers unanimously rejected any federal or provincial taxes in Malakand Division and warned that if the decision is not withdrawn immediately, the people of the region would launch a united and peaceful movement within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
