SWAT: Malakand Division Traders Federation president Haji Abdul Rahim rejected the recent federal budget, declaring that the imposition of a 10pc sales tax on raw materials in Malakand Division was unacceptable.

Speaking at a press conference at Swat press club on Saturday, he warned that if the government did not restore the division’s separate constitutional status, the traders’ community would launch a full-scale movement.

He was accompanied by Haji Zahid Khan, president of Swat Hotels Association, Dr Khalid Mahmood, spokesperson of the Swat Traders Federation, and Haji Hayat Ali.

Haji Abdul Rahim said that unfortunately all the policies in the country were formulated as per the IMF’s agenda, which primarily benefitted the bureaucracy and privileged classes, further burdening the common people.

He stated the imposition of 10pc sales tax on industrialists and small businesses in Malakand Division was part of this anti-public agenda.

He pointed out that according to the constitution; Malakand Division holds a separate status, acknowledging the historical sacrifices made by the locals.

He warned the government, saying the traders’ community will never accept the abolition of Malakand Division’s constitutional status and will raise their voices at every level against the forced imposition of this tax.

He announced that a joint meeting of all traders’ organizations in Malakand Division will be convened soon to evolve future course of action.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025