MINGORA: Traders in Swat and other districts launched a protest movement against the enforcement of the Income Tax and Customs Act in Malakand Division by holding a massive public gathering.
Similar demonstrations were also staged in other districts of the division, attracting large numbers of participants.The main protest was held at Nishat Chowk in Mingora, where leaders of various political parties, representatives of traders’ organisations, members of the Chamber of Commerce, lawyers, journalists, and a large number of citizens unanimously rejected the implementation of the Income Tax and Customs Act.
Addressing the gathering, Traders Federation president Abdul Rahim said that the constitutional and legal special status of Malakand Division had been abolished in 2018, after which the Customs Act and Income Tax were extended to the region. He said that following protest rallies, shutdown strikes, and demonstrations, the government had granted a five-year exemption, which was later extended for another three years.
“This time, however, the taxes have been formally enforced, and both federal lawmakers and members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly played a major role in implementing them,” he added.
Abdul Rahim said the people of Malakand Division would not accept the enforcement of the Income Tax and Customs Act under any circumstances. He argued that the region has suffered immensely from earthquakes, floods, terrorism, and other natural disasters, while unemployment and insecurity continue to affect the population.
“People are being driven to despair, yet instead of providing relief, the government is placing an additional burden on them through taxes. We cannot accept this,” he added.Pakistan People’s Party leader Akhtar Hussain said Malakand Division enjoys a unique status, noting that the region produces a significant share of the country’s electricity, possesses extensive forest resources, and its people have made tremendous sacrifices for Pakistan’s stability.
“If the government fails to continue tax exemptions for this underdeveloped region, it would be a grave injustice. Around the world, underdeveloped areas are granted tax exemptions, but our governments continue to place the greatest burden on such regions,” he maintained.
The speakers claimed that the tax regime had already come into effect and that taxes were being deducted from banking transactions. They urged people to withdraw their money from banks to avoid paying government taxes.
The speakers also warned that if the government did not restore the constitutional and legal special status of Malakand Division, they would launch a civil disobedience movement similar to that in Kashmir. The protest campaign could include a boycott of utility bills, long marches, sit-ins, and other forms of protest, they added.
Member National Assembly Saleemur Rehman and Member Provincial Assembly Fazal Hakim also attended the gathering but faced strong public resistance. During Fazal Hakim’s speech, protesters did not allow him to address the audience, forcing him to leave the stage without delivering his remarks.
Similar protests were also held in Dir, where demonstrators rejected the enforcement of the Income Tax and Customs Act. Protest rallies also took place in Buner, Shangla, and other districts of Malakand Division.
