Jamat-e-Islami (JI) vehemently opposes the crackdown on non-customs paid (NCP) vehicles in Malakand Division, citing severe repercussions for the local economy.
During a press conference held at Markaz-e-Islami, JI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Naib Amir Inayatullah Khan expressed deep concern about the government’s intention to launch a crackdown on NCP vehicles.
He highlighted that this move has caused widespread unrest among the local population in Malakand Division, as numerous livelihoods are dependent on this trade.
Inayatullah warned that there are approximately five lakh NCP vehicles, and any attempt by the government to seize them could lead to a large-scale clash. He pointed out that the region has already been significantly affected by recent waves of terrorism and record-high inflation, making it increasingly difficult for locals to make ends meet.
Accompanying Inayatullah at the press conference were Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, former MPA Muhammad Ali, and JI Information Secretary Syed Jumat Ali Shah.
Inayatullah emphasized that the government had previously promised residents of Malakand Division a 10-year tax holiday, but the caretaker government appears to be exceeding its mandate. He clarified that the primary responsibility of the caretaker government is to ensure free and fair elections in the province, while expanding the tax net is the duty of the elected government.
Inayatullah further alleged that the caretaker government is attempting to create unrest and clashes in Malakand Division to delay the elections by pursuing a crackdown on NCP vehicles. He suggested that there are alternative methods for registering NCP vehicles, such as involving local police stations, without directly confronting the local residents.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2023.
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