HARIPUR, Nov 7: The Tehsil Council, Haripur unanimously on Wednesday condemned imposition of emergency and crackdown against lawyers and political activists by law-enforcement agencies across the country.

The council met here with Syed Ahsan Ali Shah, convener of the house, in the chair.

Tehsil council member Razia Jafri advocate, while opening the debate, moved the resolution, condemning the imposition of emergency, removal of judges and massive manhunt against lawyers and political activists and the use of force by police.

Tehsil nazim Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, union naib nazims Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Irfan, Saleem Tanoli and Qazi Farooq took part in the debate and criticised Gen Pervez Musharrf’s action, arrest of political activists and lawyers.

The house unanimously supported and approved the resolution. Later, the house approved imposition of taxes on loading and unloading of construction material in urban limits, charges on cell phone towers, cable operators, raise in TMA’s property rent by 33 per cent, enhancement in water charges, both commercial and domestic, and bus terminal fee.

The house also approved collection of additional charges from all shopkeepers of the main bazaar at the rate of Rs5 per sq feet who had encroached upon the TMA’s land.

However, Raja Ehtesham opposed the imposition of taxes and termed it an anti-people move.