Protests against the enforcement of taxes in the merged tribal districts have gained momentum, with political, social, and business circles in Khyber and other former FATA areas demanding that the federal government extend tax exemptions for another decade.

In various meetings, press conferences, and statements, leaders have warned that failure to accept their demands would lead to a well-organized protest movement across the tribal districts.

A grand meeting was held at the Jamaat-e-Islami District Khyber office in Aka Khel, chaired by District Amir Shah Faisal Afridi. The gathering was attended by a large number of traders from Bara and Jamrud, leaders of various political parties, tribal elders, and representatives of different schools of thought.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the tribal districts continue to suffer from a severe lack of basic facilities, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and business activity. They noted that thousands of homes, educational institutions, and infrastructure destroyed by terrorism and insecurity have yet to be fully restored. Imposing taxes in such conditions, they argued, would amount to injustice against the tribal people, and the government must first fulfill its development promises.

The participants announced a planned public movement against taxation across the tribal districts and formed a core committee to effectively pursue future actions.

Former Federal Minister Hamidullah Jan Afridi also rejected the new tax regime in the former FATA and PATA regions. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said the tribal districts have endured decades of terrorism, displacement, economic hardship, and lack of basic amenities. New taxes, he warned, would only add to the financial burden on the public, traders, and industrialists.

“The government should first ensure the restoration of infrastructure, health, education, employment, and business activities before thinking of imposing taxes,” he said. “Until the tribal districts are brought at par with other regions in terms of facilities, tax imposition would be against the principles of justice.” He vowed to raise the issue on every constitutional and democratic platform.

In Bara, President of the Bara Traders Association Syed Ayaz Wazir, along with other office-bearers, addressed a press conference at the Bara Press Club. He highlighted the severe economic crisis facing tribal communities due to nearly 25 years of unrest, military operations, and repeated displacements that devastated businesses, homes, and the local economy.

“Many families are struggling even to provide two meals a day for their children,” he said, calling the imposition of taxes unacceptable in the current circumstances. He appealed to the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan to grant a further 10-year tax exemption so that the local economy could recover and stand on its feet.