PESHAWAR, Jul 16 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday stressed that the provincial government and all relevant stakeholders should adopt a unified strategy to address the issues related to tax in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of industrialists under the banner of the Pakistan Border Trade Council, led by Khyber Chamber of Commerce …
Governor Kundi seeks joint committee to address tax matter in FATA, PATA
PESHAWAR, Jul 16 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday stressed that the provincial government and all relevant stakeholders should adopt a unified strategy to address the issues related to tax in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).
He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of industrialists under the banner of the Pakistan Border Trade Council, led by Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry Group Leader and Pakistan Border Trade Council Chairman Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, at the Governor House.
The delegation apprised the Governor of its concerns over the taxes, imposed from July 1, on business activities in the erstwhile tribal areas and PATA.
Governor Kundi said as the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts, remained fragile, there was a need to safeguard the people and business community from any financial burden.
He said that he had already conveyed these concerns to the federal government and was in contact with the provincial government on the issue.
Referring to a meeting being held at the Chief Minister’s House on the issue, the Governor appreciated the initiative of President Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha for convening the recent All Parties Conference in Chakdara on the taxation issue.
He said previous provincial governments had failed to effectively utilize resources received under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and funds allocated for the war against terrorism due to poor planning.
Governor Kundi urged the provincial government to form a joint committee to negotiate with the federal government.
He also called on all political parties to unite in the larger interest of the province and proposed the establishment of a permanent joint committee to address key provincial issues instead of adopting ad hoc measures.
He invited the business community to submit proposals regarding difficulties in obtaining bank loans, assuring them that their concerns would be taken up at the relevant forums.
Paying tribute to the business community, Governor Kundi said traders and industrialists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued their economic activities despite terrorism, insecurity and extortion, adding that sustaining businesses under such circumstances was “no less than a struggle.”
The Governor also directed officials to immediately contact the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to address admission-related issues being faced by MBBS and BDS students against seats reserved for the merged districts.
The delegation appreciated Governor Kundi’s efforts and role in safeguarding the rights of the people of the erstwhile FATA and PATA and defending the province’s interests on the issue.
