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PESHAWAR, Jun 20 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday criticized the imposition of taxes in the former FATA, saying that it is fueling resentment and unrest among the tribal population. He said that the rights of the residents of merged districts have been violated and urgent corrective measures are needed.
The Governor made these remarks while speaking to a tribal jirga led by former MNA Hameedullah Jan at the Governor’s House. The jirga members informed the Governor about the growing frustration in the merged areas, particularly over the recent 10 percent tax imposed on industries operating in the region. Tribal elders labeled the move as unjust and oppressive.
They also urged the government to compensate for the damages to shops and properties caused during the Bara military operations.
Governor Kundi questioned how individuals in Punjab and Islamabad, unfamiliar with local values and ground realities, could make decisions on behalf of the province.
“We must take responsibility for bringing peace to our land ourselves,” he asserted.
He proposed forming a jirga consisting of former parliamentarians and tribal elders from the ex-FATA, assuring that he would act as their advocate at every forum.
“The merger happened, but where are the promised facilities?” he asked.
“When a Chief Minister himself pays extortion money, what hope remains for the common man?”
The Governor also raised concerns about unfair taxation on local farmers, who receive no relief in fertilizers, tube wells, or electricity costs. “Taxes must come with services,” he emphasized.
He concluded by calling for collective engagement with federal authorities.
“We will jointly appeal to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and other relevant officials, including the military leadership, to address and resolve these critical issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Engineer Mujahid Tanveer Ahmed, General Manager North (Water Management) of Wapda, called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to brief him on the progress of the Chashma Lift Canal project.
Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in KP Assembly, Ahmad Karim Kundi, was also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, GM Wapda informed the Governor that work on the project’s design and procedural formalities is actively underway, with focused efforts to enhance the canal’s overall efficiency and functionality.
Governor Kundi emphasized that the Chashma Lift Canal is a vital project for the development of the province and directed that all efforts be made to ensure its timely completion and inauguration.
The discussion also included matters related to the Chashma Right Bank Canal. Given the damages caused during the floods, the participants agreed on the urgent need to protect both the canal infrastructure and the livelihoods of local farmers.
Wapda officials apprised the Governor that a detailed survey to assess flood-related damages to the canal is currently in progress.
Governor Kundi directed that he be informed immediately of any obstacles in the project’s execution so that swift action can be taken to minimize damage during the upcoming flood season.
He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring long-term water management solutions and support for the agricultural community.