DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan on Friday rejected the federal government’s decision to impose taxes in Malakand division and the merged districts, terming it a violation of constitutional and historical commitments, and announced plans to launch a protest movement against the move.
In a statement, Mr Khan said states entered into constitutional, legal and political agreements with their citizens, and public trust was strengthened when such commitments were honoured. However, he said, when the state itself failed to fulfil its promises, it inevitably eroded public confidence in state institutions.
Calling the tax decision a departure from the state’s long standing commitments, the ANP chief said his party completely rejected the move. “This is not merely the imposition of a tax, but an attempt to weaken the trust between the state and the people,” he said.
Mr Khan directed the party’s provincial organisation to immediately establish contact with political parties, lawyers, traders, civil society, youth and other stakeholders across Malakand division to prepare for a province-wide protest campaign against what he termed an anti-people decision.
He said the ANP would continue its political, public and democratic struggle at every level until the decision was withdrawn.
Mr Khan expressed confidence that the people of Malakand division and the merged districts would not compromise on their rights, adding that the ANP would continue to play a leading role in the movement against the decision.
