MANSEHRA: The Hazara University Academic Staff Association has announced that it will petition the Peshawar High Court to strike down the Federal Board of Revenue’s move to withdraw income tax relief for researchers and teachers.

“Our association has decided to adopt a multipronged strategy to compel FBR to restore tax rebate for teachers and researchers,” HUASA president Dr Ghaniur Rehman told reporters after chairing an emergency meeting on the main university campus.

He said the federal government had introduced the 25 per cent rebate in the salary tax of researchers and teachers to motivate them to explore innovations, which was essential for national development.

“The faculty members and researchers view the withdrawal of this rebate by FBR as an act of hostility, which will effectively hit research and innovation and plunge academia into financial hardship,” he said.

The president said that if the FBR didn’t revoke that notification, the teachers would boycott academic activities and move the Peshawar High Court.

LAW AND ORDER SITUATION: Lower Kohistan district police officer Taimur Khan has urged the chairmen of village and neighbourhood councils to play their due role in helping police maintain law and order and check drug peddling.

“The Local Government Act, 2013, envisions a proactive role for village and neighbourhood councils in supporting efforts to eradicate the menace of narcotics peddling and other unlawful activities within their jurisdictions,” he told a meeting attended by chairmen of village and neighbourhood councils in Pattan from across the district.

Mr Khan said the council chairmen, being influential figures in their respective areas, should establish a strong liaison with the police to maintain law and order.

“You must ensure that no stranger stays in your area without prior registration with police as your district is highly sensitive and hosts mega energy projects, and national and international visitors frequently use the Karakoram Highway for mobility,” he said.

The DPO highlighted the importance of adhering to the National Action Plan, under which no house can be rented without proper registration with law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2025