Bar President Declares Customs Act Unacceptable in Malakand Division
Suleman Shah Advocate, President of the Shangla Bar Association and Chairman of the Shangla Action Committee, has categorically stated that the enforcement of the Customs Act and the imposition of taxes in Malakand Division are unacceptable under any circumstances. He reiterated that the people of the region would continue to resist such measures through constitutional and democratic means.
He made these remarks while addressing journalists during a media briefing held in connection with a grand National Jirga being organised by the Shangla Action Committee on Thursday, July 9. The jirga will bring together key stakeholders from across the district to deliberate on a range of issues confronting Shangla and the wider Malakand Division, including the proposed enforcement of the Customs Act, taxation, prolonged electricity load-shedding, and the rights of local communities over the region’s natural resources.
Legal Fraternity Supports Resistance
A large number of legal professionals attended the briefing, including senior lawyers Muhammad Ibrahim Khan Advocate, Shah Wali Khan Advocate, Mian Rafiullah Khan Advocate, Jamal Mudassir Fawad Advocate, Mowadullah Advocate, Muzammil Shah Advocate, and other members of the legal fraternity. Speaking on the occasion, Suleman Shah Advocate said the historical, constitutional, and legal status previously enjoyed by Malakand Division could not be ignored by imposing taxation and customs laws without taking into account the region’s unique administrative and constitutional background.
He argued that the government could neither legally nor morally impose taxes on the people of Malakand Division while disregarding its special historical status. According to him, the legal community, the Shangla Action Committee, and the Bar Association stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the division and will continue their struggle to safeguard their constitutional and legal rights.
Electricity Crisis in Shangla Highlighted
He also highlighted the worsening electricity crisis in Shangla, stating that prolonged and unannounced power outages had severely disrupted daily life and caused immense hardship for residents. He described the situation as deeply unjust, noting that despite the district’s abundant hydropower resources and its significant contribution to electricity generation, the local population had received virtually none of the benefits.
He said it was unfortunate that the people of Shangla continued to endure extensive electricity load-shedding while electricity generated from the district’s rivers and water resources was being supplied to other areas, leaving local consumers deprived of a reliable power supply.
National Jirga on July 9 to Address Key Issues
He expressed hope that the July 9 jirga would provide a united platform for comprehensive discussions on the major challenges facing Shangla and Malakand Division. These include the proposed enforcement of the Customs Act, taxation policies, the prolonged electricity crisis, and the demand that local communities be given priority rights over the natural resources of their region.
He added that, following detailed deliberations, participants would formulate a unanimous strategy and future course of action aimed at protecting the constitutional rights and economic interests of the people of Malakand Division while addressing the longstanding issues confronting the district.
