Malakand Traders Unite Against Tax Imposition, Threaten Shutdown

SWAT: Traders declared a full strike against May 14 Taxation in Malakand Division.
In this regard, the Grand Jirga was held under the patronage of Malakand Division Traders Federation at the Swat Press Club of Swat district on Tuesday.
This is the jirga of Malakand Division of Traders Federation President Abdur Rahim Khan, Hotel Association President Haji Zahid Khan, Anjuman Tajran Sub-Director President Anwaruddin, Buner President Fazal Rabi, Department Spokesperson Dr. Khalid Mahmud Khalid, Basham President Muhammad Zada, Bathela President Shakirullah Khan President Zubair Khan, Malakand President Zowar Khan and other business leaders were present.
After the jirga, Malakand Division Traders Federation President Abdur Rahim and other business leaders said that Malakand Division is a tax-free zone as per the constitution of Pakistan and we will not accept taxation here under any circumstances.
Abdur Rahim said that the people of Malakand division are still in a state of war. The people here have been subjected to all kinds of torture and hardships, saying that the residents of this section have experienced terrorism for years in the region, followed by annual earthquakes and natural disasters. It’s unfortunate, but still, the authorities have not cared about the people here and have not provided facilities here,” he said.
He said that it is the duty of provincial members to raise their voices against illegal and cruel taxation at the provincial assembly level, but there is no interest among provincial members in this matter. People here.
He said we remember where people are happy. This is owed to the people, but unfortunately, members of parliament prioritize their interests instead of fulfilling their right to represent the people.
Malakand Division and Traders Association, Bar Association, Transport Association, Chamber of Commerce, Jewelers Association, Drug and Chemical Association, Gems Association, Gujjar Swat Youth Forum, Petroleum Association and Civil Society all know that they are not ready. We reject this government’s decision to accept this illegal and cruel tax and call for the repeal of this cruel decision. Otherwise, millions of people will take to the streets and go on a full strike.