SWAT: Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Amir Inayatullah Khan has criticized proposed reductions in development spending for Malakand Division, alleging that the exclusion and freezing of major projects reflect administrative and financial shortcomings in the provincial government’s planning.
Speaking at a press conference in Mingora, Inayatullah Khan said development schemes worth approximately Rs28 billion had been removed from the Annual Development Programme (ADP), while projects valued at around Rs20 billion had been frozen. He argued that the move could slow development activities and affect public services in the region.
He called on the provincial government to restore the affected projects and prioritize the completion of previously approved schemes to ensure timely delivery of public benefits.
Concerns over education and health spending
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said education and healthcare should remain key priorities in the provincial budget and expressed concern that both sectors were not receiving sufficient attention.
He urged the government to increase allocations for education and health and also called for a revision of government employees’ salaries, stating that public sector workers should receive greater financial relief in light of economic challenges.
Opposition to taxes in Malakand Division
Inayatullah Khan reiterated his opposition to the Services Sales Tax in Malakand Division and urged the government to withdraw the levy.
He also criticized the federal government’s decision to increase the General Sales Tax on certain raw materials from 12 percent to 14 percent, arguing that higher taxation could increase costs for businesses and contribute to economic difficulties.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader further opposed any proposal to impose income tax in Malakand Division and the merged districts, saying such measures would face resistance from local communities.
Questions over financial management
During the press conference, Inayatullah Khan also questioned the appointment of a finance adviser from outside the province, arguing that elected representatives and local institutions should be given greater responsibility in policymaking.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue raising public concerns regarding taxation and development issues and warned that the party could launch a broader campaign in coordination with traders if its demands were not addressed.
The press conference was attended by several local party leaders, including Mohammad Amin, Akhtar Ali Khanji, Naeemullah, Naveed Khan, and Dr. Obaidullah.
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