Jirga condemns constitutional plan: Malakand division status change opposed

The move would bring the region under the English law, resulting in the imposition of more than 50 taxes.

SWAT: A grand jirga of all political parties of the Malakand division, minus the Awami National Party (ANP), was held here on Sunday to condemn the government’s move to change the existing constitutional status of the Malakand division.

Following the abolition of princely states in 1970, Malakand was divided into districts under which the areas were regarded as tax-free zones with no custom duties.

“We are disappointed to hear that elected representatives are set to unanimously approve the bill that will abolish the current constitutional status of the Malakand division and subject it to the English law,” said JUI general secretary Shamsur Rahman. This would result in imposition of more than 50 taxes, including income tax, paralysing the conflict-affected and flood-hit people of the area, he added.

“We will not allow a handful of lawmakers to play with the fate of the people and condemn this act,” said President All-Swat Traders’ Federation Abdur Rahim. “We have taken people into confidence on the matter and are planning to run a sustained movement against this decision,” he added.

Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Q Hazrat Yousuf said elected representatives are adding to the misery of the people. “The government of ANP has completely failed in providing relief to the people of Malakand division,” he said.

Sher Afgan, leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Qawi Khan, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz also expressed their concern over the abolition of Malakand division’s tribal status.

While talking to the jirga, a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party said that their party is in touch with tribal elders and assured the participants that no action would be taken against the wishes of the local population.

“Such meetings are just ploys to divert public attention from the sacrifices rendered by the ANP to bring peace and improve the lives of the common people,” said provincial Minister for Forestry Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wajid Ali Khan.

“It should be remembered that Malakand division comprises Dir, Buner, Chitral, Shangla and not just Swat,” he added.

A resolution was unanimously passed by the jirga, asking the government to provide relief to the affected people of Malakand division. A committee was formed to meet the governor of K-P and apprise him of their concerns regarding the change.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2010.