The Malakand Division Action Committee has announced a complete shutter-down strike across the region on July 21, warning that the protest will go ahead if the federal government does not restore Malakand Division’s special constitutional status and reconsider the imposition of new taxes.
Speaking at a press conference at the Swat Press Club, committee leaders said the planned shutdown is intended to press the government to address longstanding constitutional, economic and development concerns. They said the protest would affect commercial activity across Malakand Division while allowing limited access to essential medical services.
Leaders Oppose New Taxes And Seek Restoration Of PATA Status
Malakand Division Traders Federation President Abdurrahim, joined by Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Noor Muhammad Khan, Members of the Provincial Assembly Fazal Hakim Khan Yousafzai and Wajid Ali Khan, along with other political, business and community leaders, said decisions taken after the former FATA reforms had weakened the Protected Area (PATA) status of Malakand Division, leading to the possibility of new taxes.
The committee argued that residents continue to face economic hardship after years of terrorism, military operations, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters that severely affected trade, tourism, agriculture, businesses and public infrastructure.
Calls For Transparency On Rehabilitation Funds
The Action Committee also urged the government to disclose details of foreign assistance received for disaster rehabilitation and explain how those funds were spent. The leaders claimed many affected families had not received compensation or relief proportional to their losses.
They further called on the federal government to review policies affecting the region’s constitutional status, saying future decisions should reflect local conditions and public concerns. The committee said it would continue pursuing its demands through peaceful and constitutional means.
Strike To Affect Markets Across Malakand Division
According to the committee, all markets, shopping centres, businesses and commercial establishments—including fruit and vegetable markets—will remain closed during the July 21 strike. Only two medical stores outside each hospital will be permitted to operate to ensure access to medicines.
The committee also appealed to banks, traders, transporters, lawyers, labour organisations, civil society groups and the public to support the protest. It warned that if the government’s response remains unsatisfactory, future demonstrations could include a wheel-jam strike and blockades of major highways.
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