Shangla traders reject taxes, threaten motorway protest from Oct 7

SHANGLA
Traders and representatives of various organisations in Shangla have rejected the imposition of taxes in Malakand Division, demanding immediate restoration of the region’s special status and withdrawal of taxes imposed from July 1.
Speaking at a press conference at the Shangla Press Club in Alpuri, office-bearers of the Anjuman-i-Tajiran District Shangla said the people and business community of Malakand Division would not accept any change in the region’s special status without consultation with all stakeholders.
They warned that if their demands were not accepted, traders and other stakeholders would launch a protest on the motorway from Oct 7. They said the protest movement would be expanded if the government failed to withdraw the taxes.
The press conference was attended by Trade Union Shangla president Syed Nazar, Shangla Bar Association president Suleman Shah, lawyer Sultan Room Khan, representatives of various political parties and organisations, Pakistan Chemist and Druggist Association Shangla president Ikramuddin Pacha, Awami National Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan, Qaumi Watan Party chairman Shah Saud Khan and other activists.
The speakers said business activity in Malakand Division was already facing serious difficulties and traders and ordinary citizens could not afford the additional tax burden under the prevailing economic conditions.
They urged the government to review its decision in light of the economic situation in the region and consult traders, political representatives and other stakeholders before making any changes to the existing arrangements.
Meanwhile, traders held protest demonstrations in Alpurai, Besham, Puran, Chakesar, Lilownai, Shahpur, Olandar, Martung and Alouch.
Several markets and bazaars remained closed during the protests. The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans against the imposition of taxes and what they described as the government’s unilateral decision.
The traders said their sole demand was the restoration of Malakand Division’s special status and withdrawal of the taxes imposed from July 1.
They accused the government of delaying the matter through repeated assurances and warned that further delay would not be tolerated. They said any talks with the government should result in a clear and implementable agreement.
The traders called upon the government to withdraw the taxes and address the concerns of the people and business community of Malakand Division. They also warned that protests would continue if decisions affecting the region were taken without consultation with relevant stakeholders.