By Adnan Bacha
Swat: Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Mingora and former MPA Muhammad Amin have demanded to exempt Malakand division from all taxes till 2033.
Muhammad Amin has said that due to terrorism, floods, Corona, and other natural disasters, the people of Malakand division cannot afford to pay taxes in any case. The central and provincial governments should announce a special package of 100 billion rupees for the Malakand division like the merged districts. First, all the issues of the people should be resolved, then the implementation of taxes should be discussed.
He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club. He was accompanied by Jamaat-e-Islami local leader Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan, former National Assembly candidate Naveed Khan, Mufti Sher Muhammad Khan, Fazal Wahid Tota, Azizur Rahman, General Secretary of Mingora Samiullah, JI Youth President Shaukat Ali were also present.
Muhammad Amin said that there is talk of ending the exemption period from the imposition of taxes in the Malakand division on December 2022, due to which the people of the entire division, including Swat, have suffered severe mental illness.
“Recent floods have wreaked havoc in Malakand division including Swat. Despite the passage of two months, flood victims are facing serious economic problems. Due to the onset of winter, their difficulties are increasing day by day, while now there are talks of tax enforcement. Which is equivalent to adding salt to the wounds of flood victims.” He added
He said that we will soon convene a grand Jirga consisting of the trader’s federation, hotel association, local officials of political leaders, and officials from all other sectors in which we will announce the action plan regarding the implementation of taxes. Before the start of demonstration processions and strikes, the government should announce that the Malakand division will be exempted from all types of taxes till 2033.
He said that the government should announce a special package of 100 billion rupees for the privations of the people of Malakand division so that they can move on the wheel of development by solving other privations of the people including unemployment.
