Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a decision to impose taxes in Malakand Division, arguing that the region's residents, like those in the former tribal districts, are already burdened by poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship. Speaking at an All Parties Conference (APC) organized by the Pakistan Peoples Party in Chakdara, the governor highlighted limited employment opportunities, lack of industrial development, and slow economic growth as reasons the people cannot bear additional financial burdens.
Governor Urges Chief Minister to Use Constitutional Authority
Kundi urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to use his constitutional authority as the province's chief executive to seek reversal of the tax decision. He added that if the chief minister is unable to resolve the matter, he should state so openly, allowing the governor to pursue the issue himself. The governor also called on political parties, the business community, and the people of Malakand Division to launch a united constitutional and democratic campaign against the tax decision.
Development Package for Former FATA Yet to Be Implemented
Referring to the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Kundi noted that the federal government's announced Rs100 billion development package had yet to be implemented and urged authorities to expedite its execution. He also criticized the provincial government's proposed media law, asserting that a free press represents the voice of the people and should not be curtailed through legislation.
Political and Civil Society Leaders Unanimously Reject Tax
The conference was attended by leaders of various political parties, traders' organizations, and civil society, who unanimously rejected the proposed tax and pledged to continue a peaceful, constitutional, and democratic campaign until the decision is withdrawn. They also agreed to adopt a joint strategy to pursue the issue. Among those present were former provincial and federal ministers, former Governor Shaukatullah Khan, PML-N divisional president Malik Jahanzeb, ANP provincial secretary general Hussain Shah, PPP central secretary general Engineer Humayun Khan, PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akbar, former federal minister Najmuddin Khan, JUI-F district chief Sirajuddin, representatives of traders' bodies, and members of civil society.
