Grand Jirga deliberates on proposed federal taxes for merged districts, former PATA

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jul, 2026) A Grand Jirga convened by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government at the Chief Minister's House on Friday discussed the proposed imposition of Federal taxes in the merged districts and the former Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA), including Malakand Division, and deliberated on a consensus-based strategy on the matter.

The Jirga was attended by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, members of the provincial cabinet, senators, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial leaders of various political parties, parliamentarians from the merged districts and Malakand Division, and representatives of traders' organizations.

Addressing the gathering, CM Sohail Afridi said the purpose of the Grand Jirga was to consult all stakeholders and formulate a unified approach regarding the proposed federal taxes.

He said participants were given the opportunity to present their views and recommendations.

Afridi said the provincial government was not collecting taxes in the merged districts and had decided to withdraw the Sales Tax on Services in Malakand Division.

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He welcomed the participation of political leaders from across the province, describing it as a positive step towards addressing issues of public importance through consultation and consensus.

The CM announced that a high-level delegation would be constituted to hold discussions with the federal government on the issue.

He also said separate Jirgas would be convened on law and order and on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's financial and resource-related matters.

Referring to the security situation, Sohail Afridi said the provincial government had prepared a provincial action plan to combat terrorism, adding that its effective implementation would help improve law and order.

During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the proposed federal taxes, their possible implications for the merged districts and Malakand Division, and future consultations with all relevant stakeholders.