Traders back Aug 28 shutdown against tax imposition

MINGORA: The traders belonging to all districts of Malakand Division on Sunday announced to support the shutter down strike of August 28.

Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club after a meeting, the traders announced a complete strike and asked the masses to support their call for shutter down.

Leaders of the markets from Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Shangla, Bajaur and Swat were present on the occasion.Earlier, addressing the meeting, Abdul Rahim, Zowar Khan, Anwaruddin, Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khalid, Hameed Khan, Shakirullah, Fazl Rabi, Alhaj Zahid Khan, Fazl Qadir Khan, Abrar Khan, Haji Hayat Ali and others said that the trader community in Malakand Division would not accept the imposition of taxes in the former Pata.

They also rejected extra taxes and fixed charges in electricity bills. “We will not tolerate any kind of terrorism in Malakand Division and, especially in Swat district. And we will not allow anyone to spread unrest,” said Abdul Rahim.

“The people and the police have rendered matchless sacrifices to restore law and order in Swat district,” said Abdul Rahim, and asked the higher authorities to provide modern equipment to the cops.

All Swat Hotels Association President Zahid Khan said that the hotel owners would extend all possible support to the police department to maintain peace and security in the region. He demanded that the old constitutional status of Malakand Division should be restored and Article 246 and 247 should be revived.

The speakers announced a complete shutter down strike on Wednesday and said that all business establishments, including hotels, restaurants, milk vendors, ovens, medicine and vegetable shops, would remain closed on August 28’ as a protest.