SWAT: The representatives of traders here on Sunday asked government to refrain from imposing taxes in Malakand division.

Addressing an emergency meeting in Mingora, they threatened that the people of Malakand would start civil disobedience if taxes were imposed in the division.

The meeting was called by Malakand Division Traders Federation.

The office-bearers of trader federations from Swat, Buner, Shangla, Malakand, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Bajaur and Chitral participated in the meeting. Abdul Rahim, president of Traders Federation of Malakand Division, senior vice president Anwaruddin Khan, general secretary Zawar Khan, president of Hotel Association Zahid Khan, president of Buner Fazal Rabi Khan, president of Upper Swat Mohammad Zubair, spokesperson of Swat Traders Federation Dr Khalid Mahmood and others addressed the meeting.

They said that constitutionally the government could not impose taxes in Malakand division.

They said that the government had planned to impose taxes in the division in July 2023.

“The illiterate elected persons in 2018 could not differentiate between Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (Pata).

“It was decided to abolish the special status of Fata, but the elected representatives also abolished the special status of Pata. The people of Malakand resisted the move and government exempted the division from taxes till June 30, 2023,” said Abdur Rahim.

The speakers said that traders, hoteliers, lawyers, transporters and civil society members from all the districts were united against the abolition of the special status of Malakand.

They said that the government did not fulfil its responsibilities of providing education, health and employment opportunities to people.

“This is not a single meeting. We have gathered today to devise a plan and strategy. Soon we will announce our plans against the imposition of taxes,” said Zawar Khan.

The speakers said that people would go to the last extent against imposition of taxes in the division and would not hesitate to make any sacrifice in that regard. They said that they should not be forced to start civil disobedience.

They said that soon they would hold emergency meetings in every district of the division to chalk out a strategy.

They also condemned inclusion of taxes in power bills and Rs500 meter rent in gas bills.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2023