Public opposition to the proposed imposition of taxes in Malakand Division intensified on Wednesday as hundreds of people from different walks of life staged a large protest in Aloch Bazaar, the main commercial centre of Puran tehsil, demanding the preservation of the region’s historic tax-free status. The demonstration brought together representatives of political parties, traders’ bodies, lawyers, transporters, farmers, labourers, youth organisations, local elders and members of civil society, who unanimously rejected the proposed taxation measures and warned of a division-wide protest movement if the government proceeded with its plan.
Protest March and Public Meeting
Carrying banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Protect Malakand Division’s Tax-Free Status” and “No to Unjust Taxes”, protesters marched through the bazaar before converging at the main square, where a public meeting was held. Participants also chanted slogans against the proposed tax measures and demanded their immediate withdrawal.
Speakers Defend Constitutional Status
Addressing the gathering, speakers said Malakand Division enjoyed a special constitutional and legal status, arguing that its tax exemptions were a recognised legal right rather than a government concession. They warned that any attempt to abolish this status would undermine the economic rights of millions of residents.
Economic Hardship Cited
The speakers said Shangla and other districts of Malakand Division had suffered decades of economic hardship as a result of militancy, military operations and recurring natural disasters, which had severely affected businesses, agriculture, tourism, education and employment. They added that many families displaced during periods of conflict were still struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.
Referring to the recent monsoon rains, flash floods and landslides, they said roads, bridges, water supply schemes, agricultural land and homes had sustained extensive damage, while many affected communities were still awaiting full rehabilitation. Instead of imposing new taxes, they urged the government to provide financial relief and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
Existing Financial Burdens Highlighted
The speakers also argued that soaring electricity and gas tariffs, rising fuel prices and increasing food costs had already placed an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens. Introducing additional taxes under such circumstances, they said, would further deepen economic hardship, particularly for low-income families.
The participants urged the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments to prioritise the development of underdeveloped districts by promoting industrialisation, encouraging tourism, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, improving education and healthcare services, and creating employment opportunities for young people.
Resolution and Warning
A resolution adopted unanimously at the end of the protest called on the federal and provincial governments to retain Malakand Division’s historic tax-free status, withdraw all proposed taxation measures and announce a comprehensive economic rehabilitation package for districts affected by militancy and natural disasters.
The protesters warned that if their demands were ignored, they would expand their peaceful campaign across all districts of Malakand Division through public meetings, demonstrations and shutter-down strikes until the proposed tax measures were withdrawn.
