Shutter-down strike in Malakand to protest levy of sales tax

All large and small businesses remained closed in Malakand as a complete shutter down strike was observed in the division on Wednesday to protest the levy of sales tax, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Office-bearers of the trade union said that come what may, they would not allow the imposition of the sales tax.  

They said that the Malakand division had been declared a tax-free zone at the time of its merger into Pakistan. 

Shutter-down strike across Malakand Division, including Chitral, against abolition of tax-free status of the region and imposition of sales tax.#ChitralTradersStrike#Malakand #ShutterDown #NoToSalesTax pic.twitter.com/v9sAbgKpQA

— Chitral Today (@ChitralToday) June 25, 2025

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), too, threw its weight behind the strike, saying it completely supported the demand of the traders.  

Shops and markets remained closed in Dir, Shrengal, Barawal, Ashirai in Upper Dir.

ملاکنڈ ڈویژن میں ٹیکس نفاذ کے خلاف مکمل شٹر ڈاؤن ہڑتال ،تمام اضلاع کے بازار ،کاروباری مراکز بند۔ pic.twitter.com/r7XjdNeaix

— Bilal Yasir (@BilalYasirBjr) June 25, 2025

Reporters: Abdus Shaheed Paracha, Jan Sher and Dr. Farooq