PkMAP Condemns End of Tax Exemptions, Alleges Discrimination Against Pashtun Regions
Quetta: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has strongly criticized the federal and provincial governments over the withdrawal of tax exemptions for several Pashtun-majority regions, alleging that the move reflects discrimination against Pashtun communities and further marginalizes underdeveloped areas.
In a statement issued by its central secretariat, the party rejected the decision to abolish long-standing tax exemptions for the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Provincial FATA, Malakand Division, and several districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Loralai, Sherani, Qila Saifullah, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Duki, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Nushki, and Chagai.
PkMAP claimed that these regions have historically lacked industrial development and significant commercial investment. The party alleged that government policies over the past few years have severely affected trade and deprived many residents of their livelihoods.
The statement also criticized what it described as inadequate allocations for Pashtun-majority districts under the federal and provincial Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), claiming that these areas receive less than a quarter of the development resources they require.
According to the party, ending tax exemptions under such circumstances amounts to discrimination against Pashtun communities. It further accused the government of violating budgetary rules by making arbitrary funding allocations while neglecting productive sectors, water storage projects, education, and healthcare.
PkMAP also alleged that commitments made during the merger of the former FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including promises of continued tax exemptions for ten years, have not been fulfilled.
The party further criticized restrictions on cross-border trade and movement along the Durand Line, claiming that such measures have disrupted centuries-old trading traditions and harmed local businesses and employment.
The statement also expressed concern over the law and order situation, alleging that incidents of theft, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, and targeted killings have increased while governments have failed to respond effectively.
PkMAP called on the federal and provincial governments to restore tax exemptions, increase development funding for Pashtun-majority areas, and address what it described as discriminatory economic policies. The party warned that if the governments fail to reverse these measures, it will launch a protest movement with the support of the public and representatives from various sectors of society.
