Times Report
PESHAWAR: A delegation led by former Provincial President of the Insaf Doctors Forum, Dr. Nabi Jan Afridi, called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Syed Fakhar Jehan. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the annual professional tax currently imposed on non-practicing doctors.
The delegation presented the concerns, suggestions, and demands of the medical community regarding the possible abolition or reduction of the existing professional tax applicable to doctors who do not engage in private practice.
On the occasion, Syed Fakhar Jehan assured the delegation that necessary amendments would be incorporated in the Finance Bill 2026 to provide maximum relief to non-practicing doctors.
The Provincial Minister stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, the provincial government is taking practical measures to promote public welfare, improve healthcare services, and facilitate professional communities.
He further said that in line with the vision of PTI Founder Chairman Imran Khan for a welfare state and people-centric governance, the provincial government is prioritizing decisions that encourage public servants and relieve them of unnecessary financial burdens.
Syed Fakhar Jehan said that it has proposed to substantially reduce the existing taxation rates for non-practicing doctors.
Under the proposed changes, the annual tax for Grade-17 Medical Officers, which was previously around Rs. 40,000, has been proposed to be reduced to Rs. 1,800 per annum.
Similarly, the tax imposed on Grade-18 Consultants, previously ranging between Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 80,000 annually, has been proposed to be reduced to Rs. 2,100 per annum, while the tax for Grade-19 Consultants has been proposed at Rs. 2,400 per annum.He clarified that the existing tax rates for practicing doctors will remain unchanged.
The Provincial Minister said that doctors constitute a highly respected and vital segment of society and play a key role in providing essential healthcare services to the public.
He noted that providing relief to non-practicing doctors would not only address their legitimate concerns but would also boost the morale of healthcare professionals serving in the health sector, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of the healthcare system.
He added that the government remains committed to resolving the genuine issues faced by different segments of society and is continuing efforts to make the tax system more balanced, equitable, and people-friendly.
Syed Fakhar Jehan also conveyed a clear message to the medical community that the government would make every possible effort to address and resolve their concerns and issues.
The delegation welcomed the government’s decision to provide relief to non-practicing doctors and appreciated the efforts of Provincial Minister Syed Fakhar Jehan in this regard.
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