Islamabad, June 26, 2025 – A powerful chorus of voices echoed through the National Assembly on Thursday as Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) united in their call for the continuation of the tax exemption for the merged tribal districts—formerly known as FATA—and the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).
Citing persistent instability, economic hardship, and the unfulfilled rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), lawmakers urged the federal government to act decisively.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, took the floor to remind the House of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier gesture of goodwill in extending the original five-year exemption for the former FATA region. He stressed that with the worsening law and order situation, rising terrorism, and the fragile security environment, another exemption extension was not only justified but essential.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, passionately echoed these sentiments. He urged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to restore the full tax exemption, noting that the conditions that justified the original relief remain unchanged. “The people of FATA are still living under the shadow of uncertainty. Their sacrifices and struggles deserve continued financial support,” Qaiser emphasized.
Another strong voice in the debate was Shehryar Afridi, who highlighted the ongoing threats along the border regions. He acknowledged the tribal communities’ role as the frontline defenders of Pakistan and emphasized that the tax exemption was a critical part of supporting their resilience.
Lawmakers across party lines called upon the Speaker and the Finance Ministry to devise a robust rehabilitation and economic development plan tailored specifically for the tribal belt. The neglected state of thousands of IDPs—many still unable to return to their homes—was also underscored, with appeals made to provide them with both financial relief and a path to dignified resettlement.
In a rare show of unity, the National Assembly urged the government to maintain the tax exemption for FATA and PATA regions until full peace, development, and reintegration of IDPs is achieved. The demand reflects a deep acknowledgment of the region’s continued vulnerabilities and its people’s unwavering loyalty to the state.