PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Traders Chamber has strongly criticized the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce for supporting the imposition of taxes in tribal and semi-tribal districts (formerly FATA and PATA). Chamber President Ghulam Bilal Javed called the move “shameful” and against the interests of the local people.
In a joint statement, traders’ leaders condemned the tax decision, calling it unfair and a violation of past promises. They argued that tribal areas, already struggling with poverty and instability, should not face additional financial burdens like the 10% sales tax.
Javed warned that if the government does not withdraw the tax, province-wide protests could follow. He emphasized that tribal communities were promised development, not taxes, when they merged into mainstream Pakistan.
The Peshawar Traders Chamber demanded an immediate reversal of the decision, vowing to stand with tribal residents and fight for their rights through legal and democratic means.
Also read:KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur vows to block federal tax on FATA, PATA
