DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan on Wednesday announced measures to eliminate the agent system across the province and strengthen the crackdown against drug trafficking while addressing public complaints at an open forum in Kohat.
Speaking at an open public forum (Khuli Kachehri) in Kohat, the minister said the agent system would not be tolerated under any circumstances and strict action would be taken against those involved in such practices.
He said the narcotics police stations established to curb drug trafficking would be further strengthened to improve operations against the menace of drugs.
The forum was attended by Chairman DEDAC Kohat Daud Shah Afridi, Excise Secretary Khalid Ilyas, Deputy Commissioner Kohat Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, traders, transporters, property dealers, representatives of business organisations and members of the public.
Participants raised several issues, including alleged illegal collections from flour trucks in Karak, double taxation, property tax, loading and unloading tax, vehicle registration matters, licence fees and outstanding dues.
Taking immediate notice of complaints regarding alleged illegal collections, Mr Jehan directed the complainants to provide names and details of officials involved so that disciplinary action could be initiated against those found responsible.
The minister said protecting youth from narcotics was among the government’s top priorities and stressed the need for public cooperation to achieve the objective.
He clarified that property tax was collected from property owners rather than shopkeepers, adding that residential property owners of up to five marlas had been provided tax relief worth around Rs600 million across the province.
He also explained that Malakand Division enjoyed tax exemptions under constitutional and legal provisions, while a uniform taxation system was applicable in other parts of the province.
Concluding the session, Mr Jehan reiterated that indiscriminate action would be taken against those involved in the agent system and said the Universal Number Plate System had been introduced to facilitate citizens.
