Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, July 13 (ANI): Opposition to Pakistan’s decision to impose taxes in the merged tribal districts is growing, with political leaders, traders, and community representatives demanding that Islamabad extend tax exemptions for another 10 years, according to The Express Tribune.
The newspaper reported that a series of meetings, press briefings, and public statements have been held across Khyber and other former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where participants warned they would launch a coordinated protest campaign if the federal government did not withdraw the new taxation measures.
One of the largest gatherings was held at the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Aka Khel, Khyber district, under the leadership of District Amir Shah Faisal Afridi.
Traders from Bara and Jamrud, tribal elders, political representatives, and members of civil society attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the government’s tax policy.
Speakers argued that the merged tribal districts continue to face significant economic and social challenges despite their integration into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
They said inadequate healthcare, poor educational facilities, high unemployment, and limited business opportunities remain major concerns.
Participants also argued that infrastructure, homes, and public institutions damaged during years of militancy and conflict have not been fully rebuilt, making the introduction of new taxes both premature and unfair.
The meeting concluded with the announcement of a district-wide campaign against the tax measures, and organizers formed a central committee to coordinate future demonstrations and public outreach.
Former federal minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also criticized the government’s decision, saying residents of the former FATA and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) had already endured years of militancy, displacement, and economic hardship, The Express Tribune reported.
He argued that imposing new taxes before restoring infrastructure, employment opportunities, healthcare, and education services would place an additional burden on communities that are already struggling.
Afridi said he would raise the issue through constitutional and democratic channels, according to The Express Tribune. (ANI)
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