Malakand rejects Customs Act, Income Tax; protest movement announced

SWAT: Political parties, trader organizations, chambers of commerce, and social organizations have united to launch a public movement against the implementation of the Customs Act and Income Tax in Malakand Division. A protest gathering has been announced for Sunday at Nishat Chowk in Mingora.

A grand jirga was held at a local hotel in Mingora under the auspices of the Traders Federation and Swat Chamber of Commerce against the enforcement of the Customs Act and Income Tax in Malakand Division.

The gathering was addressed by Opposition Leader in the Provincial Assembly Dr. Ibad, President of the Traders Community Abdul Rahim, former Mayor of Mardan Himayat Ullah Mayar, Ishaq Zahid of the local Taroon Jirga, Wajid Ali Khan of PML-N, Fazal Rahman Nono of QWP, former Mayor of Mingora Shahid Ali Khan, senior journalist Dr. Mehboob Ali, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Muhammad Amin, Malakand Chamber of Commerce representative Inam Khan, Bajaur Chamber of Commerce representative Lali Shah, Khalid Mahmood Gujar, JUI leader Muhammad Ejaz Khan, PTI-P KP President Habib Ali Shah, Malik Akram Khan, ANP leader Sher Shah Khan, Swat Chamber of Commerce President Noor Muhammad Khan, and spokesperson Yousaf Ali Khan.

Representatives of various political parties, social organizations, members of the business community, and journalists attended the jirga in large numbers.
Speakers unanimously rejected the implementation of the Customs Act and Income Tax in Malakand Division. They also opposed the increase in sales tax and the proposed two percent income tax, arguing that the public, traders, and industrialists can no longer bear additional financial burdens.

They demanded the protection of Malakand Division’s special constitutional status and stated that a strong public movement would be launched against federal taxes and income tax measures.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Muhammad Amin said that the government should announce a development package of one billion rupees for Malakand Division and provide facilities comparable to those available in Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and other major cities.

Otherwise, he said, the people would not accept any form of taxation.
Speaking at the gathering, Traders Community President Abdul Rahim stated that the Sartaj Aziz Commission had originally been formed for FATA. However, due to the negligence and incompetence of provincial assembly members, PATA was also included, which affected the region’s special constitutional status.

He added that the people of the region had already suffered severely due to terrorism, military operations, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In addition, employment opportunities remain limited, leaving the public already burdened with hardships. Imposing further taxes, he said, would only increase their difficulties.

He further announced that strong protests would be held against the Income Tax and Customs Act. A protest rally is scheduled at Nishat Chowk on Sunday, after which the movement will be expanded to the tehsil level and to other districts across the division.

Opposition Leader Dr. Ibad stated that they reject federal taxation and income tax in Malakand Division and would raise their voice on every constitutional and democratic platform to protect the region’s rights. He added that, if necessary, they would not hesitate even to resign from assemblies in pursuit of these objectives