LANDI KOTAL: Transporters at Torkham border have resented the imposition of a new tax on every loaded vehicle by the National Logistics Cell.

Haji Azeemullah Shinwari, president of Torkham transporters union, said on Tuesday that NLC had started collecting Rs1,000 from every vehicle as scanner tax without taking them into confidence and without any legal authority.

He said NLC could not unilaterally impose such illegal taxes which are an additional financial burden on the already stressed transporters. “We are not prepared for such illegal taxes and if the NLC fails to withdraw this new tax, we will observe an indefinite wheel-jam strike at the Torkham crossing point,” Mr Shinwari warned.

CRICKET FOR PEACE: Commandant Swat Scouts Colonel Mohammad Tahir Khattak inaugurated on Tuesday a cricket tournament at a local ground in Malagori sub-tehsil of Khyber tribal district. On the occasion, he said sporting activities were a symbol of peace, brotherhood, development and happiness. He said security forces were trying their best to organise such sporting events as such activities could ensure creation of a healthy and peaceful society. He said such activities promoted healthy competition among the local youth and could also prevent them from falling prey to anti-state elements. As many as 36 local teams will participate in the tournament which will be fully supported and financed by the Swat Scouts.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2019