A shutter-down strike in Malakand Division brought commercial activity to a standstill across all 10 districts on Tuesday as traders, lawyers and residents protested the abolition of the region’s constitutional tax-exempt status and the imposition of new taxes.
The strike, organised by the Malakand Division Traders Federation and the Action Committee Malakand Division, disrupted businesses, court proceedings and other routine activities across the region. Protesters demanded the restoration of the division’s special constitutional tax-free status and the withdrawal of the newly introduced tax measures.
Markets and Businesses Remain Closed
Markets, shops and commercial centres remained closed in Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur and Shangla districts.
In Swat, business activities were suspended in Mingora, Khwazakhela, Kabal, Barikot, Bahrain, Madyan, Matta, Charbagh and several other towns. Private educational institutions, many commercial establishments and some industrial units also remained closed.
Lawyers boycotted court proceedings in support of the strike, affecting judicial operations across the division. Attendance at government offices was lower than usual, while traffic on major roads remained significantly lighter throughout the day.
Protesters Demand Restoration of Tax-Free Status
Demonstrations were held at multiple locations across Malakand Division, where traders and residents raised slogans against the new tax measures.
The protesters called on the federal government to immediately restore the region’s constitutional tax-exempt status and reverse the recently imposed taxes.
Traders Warn of Escalating Protest
Malakand Division Traders Federation President Abdul Rahim said the people of the region would not compromise on what they described as their constitutional rights.
He warned that if the federal government does not withdraw the new taxes and restore the division’s previous constitutional status, the protest movement will intensify. According to Abdul Rahim, the next phase could include a wheel-jam strike, blockades of major highways and a long march to Islamabad.
He added that traders, lawyers and civil society groups across Malakand Division remain united and will continue their protest until their demands are addressed.
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