SWAT: Swat police and the private schools’ management association (PSMA) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide free education to the children of martyred police officers.

The agreement, inked during a ceremony, underscores a collective commitment to honouring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel in the region.

The MoU was signed by district police officer Nasir Mehmood, and PSMA president Zafar Shalmani.

The initiative comes under the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Zulfiqar Hameed and DIG Malakand Sher Akbar Khan.

Under the agreement, all private educational institutions affiliated with PSMA will provide free education to children of police officers martyred in the line of duty. Furthermore, children of injured or disabled officers will receive a 50 per cent fee concession, while the children of serving constables will be granted a 25pc discount.

Addressing the gathering, DPO Mehmood said providing quality education to the children of police martyrs was a national obligation. “This MoU aims to eliminate financial hurdles so the children of martyred, serving, and retired personnel can focus on their education and future without added burdens.”

PSMA president Zafar Shalmani reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of police personnel.

TAX EXEMPTION SOUGHT: The Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for an extension in the existing tax exemption period for Malakand division, arguing the region’s people are in no position to bear the burden of taxation under current socioeconomic conditions.

The chamber also announced the launch of a protest movement against the potential imposition of taxes, starting from April 25. The demands were made at a meeting chaired by the chamber president Noor Mohammad Khan in Mingora here the other day.

To take the matter forward, a four-member committee was formed to meet with political leaders, government officials and local administration to convey the concerns of industrialists, traders and the general public over the proposed taxation.

The chamber officials expressed strong opposition to any tax enforcement in the region, stating Malakand division, particularly Swat, endured years of hardship due to terrorism and natural disasters.

“The people of this region are still recovering and cannot be subjected to further economic pressure,” said Noor Mohammad. “Swat holds a special status, and its removal is unacceptable to the local population.”

The chamber members pledged to provide a unified platform to all stakeholders, including political parties, public representatives, traders and civil society organisations, as it had done in previous movements against tax imposition.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025