GB Traders’ Protest
GILGIT: The protest by Gilgit-Baltistan traders against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs has reached a critical point, resulting in a significant disruption of trade and travel between Pakistan and China.
The ongoing demonstration, which has now extended into its 13th day, has led to the blockade of the Karakoram Highway (KKH)—a crucial route for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—and has suspended movement through the Khunjerab Pass.
The blockade has left many foreign passengers stranded, including tourists from the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and China, who were en route to China from Pakistan.
These travelers are currently stuck at Sost, unable to continue their journey due to the protest.
The disruption has not only affected foreign tourists but also local passengers and transporters, who have been unable to cross the border for the past five days.
The protest began outside the Sost Dry Port, with participants demanding the implementation of a court decision and addressing their grievances with the authorities.
The demonstration has led to complete halts in travel and trade operations between Pakistan and China. A protest sit-in on the KKH at Sost has blocked all entry and exit points, severely affecting logistics and passenger travel.
Over 50 foreign tourists who arrived at Sost to travel to China via Khunjerab Pass remain stuck due to the ongoing blockade.
Some of these tourists face visa issues as their documents have expired. Despite their appeals for assistance, the protest organizers have requested that they wait for a day to hear any potential decisions.
The protest has drawn significant participation from various groups, including traders, laborers, transporters, customs clearing agents, and members of political, religious, and social organizations.
Leaders of the protest, including Javed Hussain, Mohammad Abbas, and Mehboob Rabbani, have criticized Pakistan Customs for their policies, which they claim have led to prolonged trade suspensions between the two nations.
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Court has previously ruled that the imposition of income tax, sales tax, and additional sales tax on items imported from China through Khunjerab Pass is unlawful.
The court also issued contempt of court notices to those responsible. Additionally, the GB Assembly passed a resolution unanimously supporting the traders’ demands.
Protesters have accused the Customs member, chief collector North, and the GB customs collector of orchestrating a “conspiracy” against the historical and friendly ties between Pakistan and China.
They have called for the immediate suspension of these officials and the initiation of a high-level inquiry into their actions. The protesters have stated that they will end their demonstration only once their demands are met.
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