FATA and PATA Taxes

KP Govt to Hold Consultative Meeting on Tax Imposition in MDs and Malakand

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has announced that a high-level consultative meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, will be held today to discuss the federal government’s decision to impose taxes in the merged districts and Malakand Division.

According to the minister, invitations have been extended to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, elected members of the National and Provincial Assemblies from the merged districts and Malakand Division, leaders of all political parties, tribal elders, and representatives of the business community.

Shafi Jan said the meeting aims to formulate a unified, practical strategy through broad-based consultation on the proposed tax regime.

He stated that the federal government’s decision has caused widespread concern among the residents and business community of the merged districts and Malakand Division. He also maintained that the federal government has yet to fulfil its commitments regarding funding for the merged districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

The minister noted that while the merged districts have been integrated administratively into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their financial integration remains incomplete. He added that the failure to allocate the districts’ due share under the NFC has adversely affected development projects and public welfare initiatives.

Shafi Jan urged the federal government to take immediate and effective measures to address the longstanding deprivation of the merged districts, emphasizing that these areas have suffered the most from terrorism and continue to face significant economic and social challenges.

Monsoon Rains in KP

PDMA Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 19 to 23

Peshawar: Provincial Disaster Management Authority Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PDMA) has issued a weather alert forecasting heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms across most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 19 to July 23, directing all relevant authorities to remain on high alert.

According to the PDMA, heavy rains may trigger landslides in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. The authority has also warned of flash floods in hill torrents and streams, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

The advisory further warns of possible urban flooding in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, and Abbottabad. Strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards, and standing crops.

The PDMA has directed all district administrations, Rescue 1122, and other concerned departments to ensure the pre-deployment of emergency machinery, relief supplies, and rescue teams in vulnerable areas.

Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to mountainous areas and locations near rivers and streams. Farmers and livestock owners have also been urged to take precautionary measures to protect crops and animals.

The authority has appealed to the public not to cross flooded roads, bridges, or seasonal streams during heavy rainfall. In case of any emergency, citizens are advised to contact the PDMA’s toll-free helpline 1700 immediately. The Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational, the authority said.