PESHAWAR : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has announced a province-wide boycott of court proceedings on June 18 in protest against the government’s decision to impose taxes on lawyers without prior consultation.
In a strongly worded statement, the Bar Council rejected the imposition of a fixed monthly tax of Rs. 500 on lawyers, as well as their categorisation as “non-filers” under the new tax policy. The Council has termed the tax measures as unconstitutional and an insult to the legal profession.
“The government has introduced this tax policy without consulting the legal community,” the Bar Council said. “This unilateral decision undermines both the dignity of the legal profession and the principles enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.” The Council further directed all lawyers across the province not to register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and warned that any lawyer found violating the call for protest would face disciplinary action. The boycott is expected to affect judicial proceedings across KP, as lawyers stand united against what they call a “disrespectful and arbitrary” taxation scheme.
Meanwhile, residents of North Waziristan have also expressed deep dissatisfaction with both the federal and provincial budgets for the fiscal year, stating that the region’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism continue to go unacknowledged. Locals have criticised the federal government for imposing a 10% tax on the newly merged tribal districts, calling it a gross injustice to an area still recovering from years of conflict and displacement. “Rather than offering compensation or development packages for the damages we’ve suffered, the government has added to our burden with unfair taxation,” said one local resident.
The provincial budget also came under fire for failing to provide any meaningful relief to daily wage earners or the general public. With rising inflation and unemployment, many citizens had hoped for targeted support measures, but say their expectations have been met with disappointment. “We were hoping the provincial budget would bring some relief, especially for the working class. But it’s all just empty promises,” said another resident. “The cost of living keeps rising, and there is no sign of job opportunities or economic stability.”
The public response reflects a growing sense of alienation in tribal regions, with many feeling neglected despite their critical role in Pakistan’s internal security over the past two decades. A detailed video report on the local reaction is expected to be released shortly.
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