KHYBER:
Protests against the implementation of taxes in the merged tribal districts have gained momentum with political, social and business circles in Khyber and other erstwhile FATA areas demanding that the federal government extend tax holidays for another decade.
In various meetings, press conferences and statements, the leaders warned that failure to accept their demands would result in a well-organized protest movement in the tribal districts.
A grand meeting was held at the Khyber office of Jamaat-e-Islami district in Aka Khel, chaired by district Emir Shah Faisal Afridi. The gathering was attended by a large number of traders from Bara and Jamrud, leaders of various political parties, tribal elders and representatives of different schools of thought.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted 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 yet to be fully restored. Imposing taxes under such conditions, they argued, would amount to injustice to the tribal people and the government must first fulfill its development promises.
Participants announced a planned public movement against taxation in tribal districts and formed a central committee to effectively pursue future actions.
Former federal minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also rejected the new tax regime of erstwhile FATA and PATA regions. Speaking to The Express PK Press Club, he said the tribal districts have endured decades of terrorism, displacement, economic hardship and lack of basic amenities. New taxes, he warned, 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 of imposing taxes,” he said. “Until the tribal districts are brought at par with other regions in terms of amenities, the imposition of taxes would be contrary to the principles of justice.” He pledged to raise the issue on all constitutional and democratic platforms.
In Bara, Bara Traders Association President Syed Ayaz Wazir along with other office bearers addressed a press conference at the Bara Press Club. He highlighted the severe economic crisis facing tribal communities due to nearly 25 years of unrest, military operations and repeated displacement that have devastated businesses, homes and the local economy.
“Many families struggle to provide two meals a day for their children,” he said, calling the imposition of taxes unacceptable in the current circumstances. He called on the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan to provide an additional tax holiday of 10 years so that the local economy can recover and recover.
