KHAAR (Bajaur Agency), June 8: The trade and business community of tribal areas has criticized imposition of excise duty on industrial units in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and asked the government to withdraw the decision. A demand was made at a press conference jointly organized by tribal traders, businessmen, political leaders and public circles here on Wednesday to express concern over the levy of excise duty in the federal budget.

The trade leaders said the Supreme Court in a verdict had exempted tribal agencies from excise duty. In the light of the Supreme Court judgment, they added, the decision to levy excise duty on industrial units in Fata was illegal and should be withdrawn.

They said that incidence of poverty in Fata was higher as compared to other parts of the country, and urged the government to announce relief measures for the common people.