SWAT (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Engineer Amir Muqam called on Sunday for the immediate withdrawal of all federal and provincial taxes imposed on the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA), specifically the Malakand Division. Citing the region’s fragile security and economic environment, he argued that current conditions do not support the enforcement of additional fiscal levies.

Advocating for Regional Economic Relief

Addressing a gathering of PML-N Malakand Division party officials and workers in Swat, Engr Amir Muqam emphasized that the residents of these areas have rendered immense sacrifices during prolonged periods of militancy. He asserted that imposing further financial burdens on a population already recovering from conflict is unjustifiable. The assembly, which included various party office-bearers, unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the reversal of all recently imposed taxes in the Malakand Division, while expressing solidarity with ongoing public protest movements against the fiscal measures. Much like recent advocacy efforts seen in other administrative sectors, such as when the Lahore Tax Bar Requests FBR Extend Biometric Re-Verification Deadline Date, the minister highlighted the necessity of ensuring public policy remains sensitive to the immediate economic realities of the citizenry.

Historical Context and Policy Continuity

Engr Amir Muqam referenced his 2016 initiative, during which he advocated for the interests of Malakand residents before then-Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. That effort successfully secured the withdrawal of the Customs Act implementation within the region. He also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his consistent support in extending tax exemptions for the region, expressing optimism that the current administration will maintain this policy framework. The minister highlighted his ongoing commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of the Malakand people, particularly following the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a move that required diligent efforts to preserve historical legal privileges.

Commitment to Peaceful Advocacy

Maintaining that the conversation regarding taxation should only occur once the region achieves parity with the rest of the country in terms of peace and infrastructure development, Engr Amir Muqam reiterated that the PML-N stands with the peaceful protests organized by traders and civil society. During the session, Member of the Provincial Assembly Muhammad Rashad Khan tabled a formal resolution calling for the protection of the region’s legal status. The meeting saw participation from a wide spectrum of regional leaders, including former provincial ministers, district nazims, and trade federation representatives, such as Malakand Division trade federation President Abdul Rahim, collectively underscoring the urgency of the matter. Much like the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Urges De-escalation in Regional Tensions, Minister Muqam urged that stability must precede structural economic overhauls to ensure sustainable development.