Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has said that an important consultative meeting will be held today under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to discuss the federal government's decision to impose taxes in the merged districts and Malakand Division. The meeting aims to develop a mutually agreed and practical course of action through consultation.

He said the federal government's decision to impose taxes has caused widespread concern among residents and the business community in the merged districts and Malakand Division.

Shafi Jan stated that the federal government has failed to provide the funds promised for the merged districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Although the merged districts have become an administrative part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their financial integration has yet to be completed.

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He further said that the failure to allocate the merged districts their due share under the NFC has affected development projects and public welfare initiatives. Under the current circumstances, the federal government should take effective and immediate measures to address the long-standing deprivation of the people in these areas.

The Information Minister added that the merged districts are among the regions most affected by terrorism, and their residents continue to face significant economic and social challenges.

He said invitations to attend the meeting have been extended to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, elected members of the National and Provincial Assemblies from the merged districts and Malakand Division, leaders of various political parties, local elders, and representatives of the business community.