Representatives of various trade bodies declared a complete shutter-down strike in the Malakand division tomorrow (May 14).

The decision comes in response to the government's proposed taxation plans slated to come into effect from July 1 in the Malakand division. Which was unanimously reached during a joint meeting convened at the Timergara Rest House, presided over by the President of Anjuman-i-Tajiran Timergara, Haji Anwaruddin.

Key stakeholders from different sectors including petroleum dealers, vehicle bargain dealers, hairdressers, chemists and druggists, and hotel owners convened to voice their dissent against the impending taxation measures.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Anwaruddin, Liaq Zada, Dost Rehman, Mian Ali Jan, Ibrahim Khan, Aminullah, and others highlighted the historical context, emphasizing that the region had enjoyed tax-exempt status for a century following the amalgamation of former Dir, Swat, and Chitral states into Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Private Education Network of Bonair announced the closure of schools in solidarity, while lawyers, including the Bonair Bar, extended their support to the protest.

In a similar vein, the business community in Peshawar echoed the sentiments, escalating their protest against the taxation measures since June 1.

Detailing the upcoming strike, a spokesperson for Anjuman Tajran Temergarh disclosed that a meeting held at Temergarh Rest House concluded with the unanimous decision to observe a shutter-down strike across the district on May 14.

President Haji Anwaruddin and General Secretary Haji Laeqzada of Anjuman Tajran Timurgarh reiterated their stance, denouncing the government's imposition of taxes in Malakand division effective June 1. They emphatically demanded the preservation of Malakand division's distinct status as a tax-free zone.