BAJAUR: Players in Bajaur protested on Monday against District Sports Officer Rahatullah Malaguri, accusing him of demanding a monthly tax from athletes using the Bajaur Sports Complex. Led by Mohib, Sanaullah, and Ehsanullah, demonstrators blocked the Khar-Nawagi main road, halting traffic for hours.
The protesters, mostly young athletes, claimed they were unfairly targeted. “We’re poor and already struggle with transport costs to reach the stadium—the only sports facility in Bajaur. Now they’re asking for taxes too,” said one participant. They vowed to resist what they called “arbitrary demands” by the sports officer.
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Local officials, including Tehsil Nazim Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman and DSP Abdul Aziz Khan, intervened to negotiate. After talks, the road was reopened. Dr. Khalil emphasized, “Taxes shouldn’t burden the public. This issue will be resolved permanently.”
Authorities have not yet clarified if the tax demand will be revoked.
