18pc duty on solar panels rejected: FPCCI opposes withdrawal of tax exemptions on merged districts

PESHAWAR: Akbar Khan, Coordinator of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has strongly opposed the proposed imposition of 18% duty on solar panels and the withdrawal of tax exemptions for the merged districts, particularly the Malakand Division, in the federal budget.

In a statement issued from the FPCCI Regional Office here on Sunday, Khan stated that these measures will not be accepted under any circumstances and will be challenged through all legal means.

He warned that making solar panels more expensive would adversely affect not only ordinary citizens but also the industrial sector.

He criticized the federal government’s decision, calling it anti-people and anti-business.

“With the help of solar panels, the country had only just begun to overcome the energy crisis.

Citizens invested in solar energy and supported the government’s efforts.

“Now, however, the government is trying to turn it into a source of revenue, which will discourage future investments in solar systems and ultimately cause harm,” he added.

Akbar Khan further said the entire business community rejects the proposal to end tax exemptions for the merged districts.

“Instead of supporting already struggling industries, the federal government appears intent on dismantling them completely. If these taxes are imposed, industries in the region will shut down.”

Highlighting the sacrifices of the region, he said the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Malakand, were on the front lines in the fight against terrorism and have suffered deeply.

“Now, their sacrifices are being mocked,” he remarked.

He concluded by stating that the FPCCI and the business community cannot support such decisions and will initiate a full-scale legal campaign to oppose them.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025