A grand jirga convened to discuss the imposition of federal taxes in the merged districts and Malakand Division agreed to form a high-level delegation to negotiate with the federal government, adopt a unanimous strategy, and launch a joint struggle if the federal government does not withdraw its decision. The jirga also decided that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would withdraw the Sales Tax on Services in Malakand Division.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said that the provincial government is already not collecting any taxes in the merged districts, while the decision to withdraw the Sales Tax on Services in Malakand Division has been taken in the public interest.

He said a high-level delegation would be constituted to hold talks with the federal government. If the federal government does not reverse its decision, all political parties in the province and relevant stakeholders will unite to pursue a joint struggle through every constitutional and democratic forum. If necessary, protests will also be staged, and they will march to Islamabad to raise their voice for the rights of the people of the province.
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The Chief Minister said the jirga also held a detailed discussion on the law and order situation. According to him, a provincial action plan against terrorism has already been prepared, and its effective implementation could significantly improve the security situation within the next few months.
He announced that a separate jirga on law and order would soon be convened to deliberate on restoring peace, the responsibilities of relevant institutions, and the measures required to improve security.

He further said that a major jirga would also be held in Islamabad to seek Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's financial rights, including the NFC Award, net hydel profit, and other outstanding federal dues, so that the province's collective position could be presented before the federal government.
The grand jirga was organized by the provincial government at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. It was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, members of the provincial cabinet, senators from the province, provincial presidents and general secretaries of various political parties, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, parliamentarians from the merged districts and Malakand Division, tribal elders, and representatives of traders' organizations.
During the jirga, participants reviewed various proposals and recommendations regarding the imposition of federal taxes, and all stakeholders were given the opportunity to present their views and suggestions.

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