Schools and all business centres were closed in the two districts. Lawyers have also announced its decision to boycott in support of the business community.

The government intends to impose taxes in the Malakand division from July 1, according to representatives of different trade bodies. They have maintained that Malakand had been declared tax-free zone for 100 years after the merger of former Dir, Swat and Chitral states into Pakistan.

Abdul Rahim, the traders’ community president, said that it does not accept the Customs Act and taxes in the district. He added that the area was affected by the terrorism and 2022 floods.

The traders’ community is expected to march and hold sit-ins on Tuesday (today) in the city.