KHYBER:
Protests against taxation in the merged tribal districts have gained momentum, with political, social and business circles in Khyber and other former FATA areas demanding that the federal government extend tax exemptions for another decade.
In various meetings, press conferences and statements, the leaders have warned that failure to accept their demands would lead to a well-organized protest movement in all tribal districts.
A grand meeting was held at Khyber Jamaat-e-Islami district office in Aka Khel, chaired by district Amir Shah Faisal Afridi. The meeting was attended by a large number of Bara and Jamrud traders, leaders of various political parties, tribal elders and representatives of different schools of thought.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that tribal districts continue to suffer from a severe lack of basic facilities, employment opportunities, healthcare, education and commercial activity. They noted that thousands of homes, educational institutions and infrastructure destroyed by terrorism and insecurity have not yet been fully restored. They argued that imposing taxes under such conditions would amount to injustice against the tribal people, and the government must first fulfill its development promises.
The participants announced a planned public movement against taxes in all tribal districts and formed a central committee to carry out future actions effectively.
Former federal minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also rejected the new tax regime in the former FATA and PATA regions. Speaking to The Express PAkGazette, he said the tribal districts have endured decades of terrorism, displacement, economic hardship and lack of basic services. He warned that new taxes would only increase the financial burden on the public, traders and industrialists.
“The government should first ensure the restoration of infrastructure, health, education, employment and commercial activities before thinking about imposing taxes,” he said. “Until the tribal districts are at par with other regions in terms of facilities, imposition of taxes would go against the principles of justice.” He promised to raise the issue on all constitutional and democratic platforms.
In Bara, Bara Traders Association President Syed Ayaz Wazir along with other officials held a press conference at the Bara Press Club. He highlighted the serious economic crisis facing tribal communities due to almost 25 years of unrest, military operations and repeated displacement that devastated businesses, homes and the local economy.
“Many families struggle to even provide two meals a day for their children,” he said, calling the imposition of taxes unacceptable under the current circumstances. He appealed to the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan to grant an additional 10-year tax holiday so that the local economy could recover and stay on its feet.
