TIMERGARA, Daily Paklish, President of Anjuman-e-Tajiran Timergara, Haji Anwaruddin, has declared that the imposition of taxes in Malakand Division is unacceptable under any circumstances. He warned that if the government does not withdraw its decision and upcoming negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome, traders across the division will launch an unprecedented shutter-down and wheel-jam strike.
Speaking at the inaugural session of “Awam Ki Pukar” (Voice of the People), a public issues forum organized by the District Press Club Timergara, Haji Anwaruddin said an important consultative meeting is scheduled on Friday with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, traders’ representatives, and other stakeholders. The meeting will focus on the constitutional status of Malakand Division, the enforcement of taxes, and the concerns of the business community.
He said Malakand Division is an economically underdeveloped region that has suffered extensively from terrorism, military operations, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Its economy largely depends on remittances from overseas workers, particularly those employed in Gulf countries. Under such circumstances, imposing new taxes would place an unbearable financial burden on both traders and the general public.
Haji Anwaruddin further stated that following the 25th Constitutional Amendment and the merger of the former FATA, Malakand Division’s historical constitutional and fiscal privileges had also been affected despite its distinct constitutional status. He criticized elected representatives for failing to effectively defend the region’s interests in legislative forums, resulting in the current situation.
He emphasized that the business community has always supported state institutions and contributed significantly to the national economy. However, he urged the government to take into account the region’s economic backwardness, high unemployment, and difficult business environment before implementing any taxation measures.
He warned that if the government failed to accept the traders’ legitimate demands, all traders’ organizations across Malakand Division, along with stakeholders from various sectors of society and the general public, would unite to launch a strong protest movement.
During his address, Haji Anwaruddin congratulated District Press Club Timergara President Haleem Asad and his cabinet on launching the “Awam Ki Pukar” program. He described it as a commendable initiative that would effectively highlight public issues and convey the people’s concerns to the relevant authorities. He also praised Timergara’s journalists for their responsible, constructive, and people-centric journalism, expressing hope that the platform would serve as a meaningful bridge between the public and government institutions.