The business community in Malakand Division protested against the possible implementation of sales tax by the government, a complete shutter-down strike was called in various districts, and business activities were suspended.
Trade union leaders said that they would not allow the sales tax to be implemented under any circumstances. They said that this move was unacceptable for the people and the economy of the area. Jamaat-e-Islami also expressed solidarity with the traders by announcing its full support for the shutter-down strike.
The business community demanded that the government immediately withdraw the decision on 10 per cent sales tax. The business leaders took the stand that the Malakand Division is a tax-free zone and the government should abide by the agreement. They warned that if the decision is not withdrawn, the scope of the protest will expand further to the entire division.
The shutter down strike observed in Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, Dir Upper, Dir Lower and Chitral.
Read also: Rashad Khan slams KP govt over budget, health, and education woes in Shangla
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Rashad Khan, has strongly criticized the provincial government, calling the supplementary budget an “admission of failure.”
Speaking on the floor of the assembly, Khan highlighted severe challenges faced by the people of Shangla, particularly patients who are forced to travel to Peshawar for treatment, including those suffering from kidney ailments. He said that despite Shangla generating electricity, its residents remain deprived of power and warned that he would lead a protest if load shedding is not addressed.
He also expressed frustration over the dismantling of a check post in his constituency following an attack and criticized ongoing political appointments and frequent transfers in the education department.
