Opposition to the enforcement of new taxes in Pakistan’s merged tribal districts has intensified, with political leaders, tribal elders, traders and business representatives demanding that the federal government extend tax exemptions in the former FATA and PATA regions for another 10 years.
During meetings and press conferences held across Khyber and other tribal districts, participants warned that if their demands are ignored, they will launch a coordinated protest movement throughout the merged areas.
A major gathering took place at the Jamaat-e-Islami district office in Aka Khel, chaired by District Amir Shah Faisal Afridi. The meeting was attended by traders from Bara and Jamrud, tribal elders and political representatives.
Speakers said the merged tribal districts continue to face serious challenges, including inadequate healthcare, education, employment opportunities and damaged infrastructure caused by years of terrorism and conflict. They argued that imposing new taxes before restoring normal economic conditions would place an unfair burden on local communities.
Participants also announced the formation of a core committee to organise future protests if the government does not reconsider its decision.
Former Federal Minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also opposed the new tax regime, stating that the people, traders and industrialists of the former FATA and PATA regions are still recovering from years of displacement and economic hardship.
He said the government should first rebuild businesses, improve public services and restore essential infrastructure before introducing taxation in the region.
At a separate press conference at the Bara Press Club, Syed Ayaz Wazir, President of the Bara Traders Association, said decades of unrest and military operations had severely damaged the local economy, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs.
He appealed to the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan to immediately extend the tax exemption for another decade, arguing that additional time is needed to revive businesses and support economic recovery in the merged tribal districts.
