PESHAWAR: Representatives of chambers of commerce and trader organisations from Malakand Division and the merged tribal districts have demanded the immediate withdrawal of taxes imposed on businesses in the former Fata and Pata regions, arguing that the areas have yet to receive the promised development and infrastructure facilities.
In a joint statement, leaders of various business bodies, including Malakand Chamber of Commerce President Inamullah, Malakand Division Traders Union President Abdul Rahim, Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Noor Mohammad Khan, Mohmand Chamber of Commerce President Amir Mohammad Khan, Bajaur Chamber of Commerce President Haji Lal Shah and Chitral Chamber of Commerce President Mehboob Azam, expressed support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s stance on traders’ issues.
The business leaders appreciated the governor for raising concerns regarding the challenges faced by the business community during a recent press conference and for supporting the demands of chambers of commerce and traders.
READ MORE: Ex-FATA/PATA: Rs45bn GST exemptions under scrutiny
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Rahim Khan said the governor had rightly pointed out that promises made by the state regarding development projects and infrastructure improvement in the former Fata and Pata regions had yet to be fully implemented.
He urged the government to fulfil its commitment to invest Rs1 trillion in the development of these areas so that they could achieve parity with settled districts in terms of infrastructure, industry, trade, education, healthcare and other basic facilities.
The traders’ representatives maintained that imposing taxes on the residents and business community of the merged districts and Malakand Division without first providing the promised development was unjust.
They called upon the federal government to immediately withdraw all taxes imposed on local traders, industrialists and businesses operating in the former Fata and Pata regions.
Khan also referred to the governor’s concerns regarding the Federal Board of Revenue’s taxation policies, saying that the increasing tax burden on traders and industrialists was adversely affecting business activities and economic growth.
He alleged that the existing taxation system had created serious difficulties for the business community and urged policymakers to review the measures in consultation with stakeholders.
The traders warned that if their concerns were not addressed and the taxes were not withdrawn, the business community would be compelled to formulate a future course of action to safeguard its economic interests and rights.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026