Protests erupt across Malakand Division over end of special status and tax enforcement

SWAT: A large protest gathering was held in Mingora, the central city of Swat, following a call by the business community against the implementation of income tax and customs laws, marking the formal launch of a protest movement. Demonstrations were also organized across other districts of Malakand Division, drawing significant public participation.

The main protest took place at Nishat Chowk in Mingora, where leaders of political parties, representatives of traders associations, members of the Chamber of Commerce, lawyers, journalists, and members of the public gathered in large numbers and rejected the implementation of the Income Tax and Customs Acts.

Addressing the gathering, traders association president Abdul Rahim said the special constitutional and legal status of Malakand Division had been abolished in 2018, after which customs and income tax laws were introduced in the region. He stated that following public protests, shutter-down strikes, and demonstrations, authorities had granted a five-year exemption, later extended by another three years.

“Now the taxes have been formally implemented, and both federal lawmakers and members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have played a major role in this process,” he said.

Abdul Rahim further stated that the local population would not accept the enforcement of income tax and customs laws under current conditions. He argued that the region had suffered heavily from earthquakes, floods, terrorism, and other natural disasters, while also facing unemployment and security challenges.

“People here are already struggling economically, and additional taxation will only increase the burden on the public,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Pakistan People’s Party leader Akhtar Hussain said Malakand Division holds a unique status due to its contribution to electricity generation, vast forest resources, and sacrifices made by its people for national stability.

He argued that withdrawing tax exemptions from underdeveloped regions would be unfair.

“In many parts of the world, underdeveloped regions are granted tax relief, but here such areas are being burdened instead,” he said.

Speakers at the gathering claimed that taxes were already being deducted from banking transactions and called for public awareness on the issue. They also warned that if the government failed to restore Malakand Division’s special constitutional and legal status, the protest movement could intensify and expand into broader forms of civil resistance.

The movement, according to speakers, could include actions such as boycotts, long marches, sit-ins, and other demonstrations.

The protest was also attended by Member of the National Assembly Salim Rehman and Member of the Provincial Assembly Fazal Hakim, both of whom faced public resistance. During Fazal Hakim’s speech, protesters reportedly interrupted him, forcing him to leave the stage without completing his address.

Similar demonstrations were held in Dir, where protesters also rejected the implementation of income tax and customs laws. Protests were additionally reported in Buner, Shangla, and several other districts across the division.