Islamabad:
The PTI denounced on Thursday what it called an “unfair” tax system imposed on the old tribal areas administered by the Federal Government (Fata) without fulfilling the promises of peace, development and complete integration.
In a press conference at the Chamber of Parliament, PTI leaders warned that the region could not be treated as a source of income, while its people were denied basic services, security and constitutional rights.
The high -ranking PTI figures also demanded an immediate release from the founder of the Imran Khan party, linking the alleged suppression of judicial independence with its continuous detention. They urged the Judiciary to affirm their autonomy and requested the end of political victimization.
During the press conference, the former speaker of the National Assembly and the main leader of PTI, Asad Qaiser, raised critical concerns regarding judicial independence and the “unfair taxes” in Fata.
Expressing a deep concern for the state of the Judiciary, said a party statement, the former Na speaker declared that the Judiciary was under undue influence, “demanding the immediate liberation of the judges and their freedom to perform their duties without interference.”
Qaiser said that Imran Khan was being “illegally arrested” and requested that his legal rights be maintained. “The Judiciary must remain firm by his own authority,” he said as he strongly condemned any alleged interference in judicial matters.
As for taxes on the issue of Fata, Qaiser criticized the Government for imposing taxes without justification. “Until peace is restored and a level game field is established, taxes should not be imposed,” he said, adding that Fata’s people would voluntarily pay taxes if the government ensured stability.
He also highlighted “the unfulfilled promise of RS1,000 billion for the development of Fata”, promising that PTI would continue to resist this injustice along with the people of the region.
Junaid Akbar, president of the Public Accounts Committee and president of PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also condemned the negligence of the Government to Fata, remembering that RS100 billion were supposed to be assigned annually for development after mibration. “On the other hand, people face extortion and unfair taxes, while the rich have abandoned the region,” he said, describing cruel and unacceptable fiscal policy.
PTI leader, Atif Khan, pointed out the direct impact of Fata’s instability on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that the government was unfairly pointing to Fata for the collection of income by not being able to stop smuggling. He also criticized the exorbitant electricity bills and the new taxes on solar energy, saying that the Government had completely administered the energy crisis.
MNA IQBAL Khan Afridi highlighted the severe economic struggles of Fata residents, claiming that gasoline was selling to RS350 per liter, while people fight to allow basic needs. He urged the government to participate in the dialogue and consider a referendum to address the complaints of the region, proposing fair income mechanisms instead of general taxes on the impoverished population.
PTI leaders reaffirmed their commitment to justice, judicial independence and the rights of the people of Fata, demanding the release of Khan, the suspension of unfair taxes, the fulfillment of development promises and relief for citizens charged by the increase in costs.
