Tobacco traders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have issued a stern warning that they will prevent multinational tobacco companies from purchasing tobacco from growers if the federal and provincial governments fail to address their tax-related grievances. The warning came during a meeting of the Tobacco Traders’ Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TTAKP) held in Sheikh Dheri, Swabi, on Saturday.
Meeting Highlights and Demands
The gathering was attended by traders and association representatives from major tobacco-growing districts, including Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, and Buner. Participants stated that their primary objective was to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and announced plans to engage both federal government representatives and leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in negotiations. The traders pledged to maintain unity and continue their campaign until their demands were met.
Key Demands of the Traders
- Restoration of more than 5,000 grower agreements allegedly terminated by tobacco companies.
- Reinstatement of last year’s tobacco quota.
- Greater intervention by the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) to safeguard the interests of growers.
- Removal of Rangers personnel from Green Leaf Threshing (GLT) centres.
- Review of what participants described as excessive taxation of the tobacco sector.
Taxation and Harassment Concerns
The traders maintained that they were not opposed to paying taxes but objected to what they termed an unfair taxation mechanism and the heavy tax burden imposed through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). They also accused some Excise Department officials of harassing traders and called for corrective action.
Resolution on Tax Withdrawal
Another resolution urged both the federal and provincial governments to withdraw various taxes on tobacco, arguing that the move would support business activity, encourage cultivation, and increase export earnings, ultimately benefiting growers, traders, and the national economy.
