Traders in Malakand reject federal budget

MINGORA: Malakand Division Traders Federation president Abdul Rahim on Saturday outrightly rejected the recent federal budget, terming it “anti-public and unconstitutional.”

Talking to reporters at the Swat Press Club along with president of Swat Hotels Association Zahid Khan, spokesperson of Swat Traders Federation Dr Khalid Mehmood and Hayat Ali, he strongly condemned the imposition of a 10percent sales tax on raw materials in Malakand Division.

He warned that the business community would launch a vigorous protest movement if the constitutional special status of Malakand Division is not restored.

“Unfortunately, all policies in Pakistan are crafted under IMF directives, benefiting only the bureaucracy and elite, while pushing the poor into deeper misery,” he went on to add.

Rahim said the new federal budget continues this trend of economic exploitation, especially targeting local industries and small traders in Malakand with the new tax. “As per Pakistan’s Constitution, Malakand Division holds a unique status in recognition of the historic sacrifices of its people,” he asserted.

He warned the government that traders would never accept the erosion of Malakand’s constitutional standing. “Since becoming part of Pakistan in 1969, we have endured terrorism, earthquakes, and floods, and made countless sacrifices. Yet, today we are treated like a testing ground,” he lamented.

Criticizing powerful industrial lobbies, he urged Punjab-based industrialists to stop exploiting Malakand’s business sector. “Stop the conspiracies, or we will respond in kind,” he warned.

Abdul Rahim also criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, blaming his incompetence for the suspension of development funds in the region and continued underdevelopment.

He announced that a joint meeting of all trader organisations across Malakand Division would soon be convened to decide the next course of action. He said political parties, lawyers, industrialists, PSMA, and civil society would be invited to join the upcoming protest movement.