SHELTER:
Protests against the enforcement of taxes in the merged tribal districts have gathered momentum, with political, social and business circles in Khyber and other former FATA areas demanding that the federal government extend tax exemptions for another decade.
In various meetings, press conferences and statements, leaders have warned that non-acceptance of their demands would lead to a well-organized protest movement across the tribal districts.
A grand meeting was held at Jamaat-e-Islami District Khyber office in Aka Khel, presided over by District Amir Shah Faisal Afridi. The gathering was attended by a large number of traders from Bara and Jamrud, leaders of various political parties, tribal elders and representatives of various schools of thought.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the tribal districts continue to suffer from a severe lack of basic amenities, employment opportunities, health care, education and business activity. They noted that thousands of homes, educational institutions and infrastructure destroyed by terrorism and insecurity have yet to be fully restored. Imposing taxes under such conditions, they argued, would amount to injustice to the tribal people and the government must first fulfill its development promises.
The participants announced a planned public movement against taxation across the tribal districts and formed a core committee to effectively pursue future actions.
Former federal minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also rejected the new tax regime in the former FATA and PATA regions. Speaking to The Express Pakinomist, he said the tribal districts have endured decades of terrorism, displacement, economic hardship and lack of basic amenities. New taxes, he warned, would only increase the financial burden on the public, traders and industrialists.
“The government should first ensure the restoration of infrastructure, health, education, employment and business activities before thinking of imposing taxes,” he said. “Until the tribal districts are brought at par with other regions in terms of facilities, taxation would be against the principles of justice.” He promised to raise the issue on every constitutional and democratic platform.
In Bara, President of Bara Traders Association Syed Ayaz Wazir along with other officials addressed a press conference at Bara Press Club. He highlighted the severe economic crisis faced by tribal communities due to nearly 25 years of unrest, military operations and repeated displacements that destroyed businesses, homes and the local economy.
“Many families are struggling even to give their children two meals a day,” he said, calling the imposition of taxes unacceptable under the current circumstances. He appealed to the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan to grant another 10-year tax exemption so that the local economy could recover and stand on its feet.
