KP Grand Jirga Tax: Sohail Afridi Calls Meeting Over New Levies

PESHAWAR – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – KP Grand Jirga tax debate took center stage Friday as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government called a Grand Jirga at the Chief Minister’s House. Leaders gathered to talk about new taxes planned for the merged districts and Malakand Division. The goal was simple: build one strong plan before any final decision is made.

Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi led the meeting. He brought together a wide mix of people. Political leaders, elected members, business owners, and other key figures all had a seat at the table.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also joined the session. Members of the provincial cabinet were present too. So were senators and lawmakers from both the national and provincial assemblies. All of them came from the merged districts and Malakand Division, areas directly affected by the proposed taxes.

Party leaders from across the political spectrum showed up as well. Provincial presidents and general secretaries added their voices. Business community heads from the merged areas and Malakand also shared their concerns.

Officials said the talks covered many ideas. People raised questions about how the new taxes might affect everyday residents. Business owners worried about the impact on trade and local income. Everyone wanted their concerns heard before any final steps were taken.

Speaking to the gathering, Chief Minister Afridi explained why the jirga mattered. He said the meeting aimed to build agreement among all sides. The government wanted one clear plan, not scattered opinions.

Afridi stressed that every stakeholder deserved a chance to speak. He said no group would be left out of the process. This was about fairness, he added, not rushing decisions that affect people’s daily lives.

The chief minister called the jirga proof of his government’s promise. He said leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa believe in open talks. Big decisions, especially ones touching the merged districts and Malakand, need input from the people they affect most.

This approach reflects a broader shift in how the province handles sensitive issues. Rather than announcing policies from the top down, the government chose dialogue first. Local voices got a real platform to push back, question, or support the tax plans.

The merged districts have faced unique economic challenges since joining mainstream governance. Many residents and traders fear that new taxes could add pressure to communities still rebuilding infrastructure and local businesses. That’s why this jirga carried extra weight.

Malakand Division, too, has its own concerns. Business leaders there worried about how sudden tax changes might disrupt trade routes and local markets. The jirga gave them a direct line to decision-makers.

Moving forward, officials expect more consultations before any tax policy becomes final. The government’s message was clear: no major move without broad agreement first.

For now, the meeting stands as a strong example of consensus-building in action. Residents and business owners alike will watch closely to see what steps follow this important gathering.