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G-B traders reject tax deal, continue sit-in

Protesters have kept the port shut since July in opposition to new taxation measures, suspension of customs clearance

News Desk September 26, 2025 Less than a minute read

A view of the convergence of Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalayas in Gilgit-Baltistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Traders in Gilgit-Baltistan have decided to press on with their sit-in at the Sost Dry Port, rejecting the government's conditional tax concessions. The announcement came after negotiations in Islamabad between the federal government, G-B authorities, and local trade representatives.

Protesters have kept the port shut since July in opposition to new taxation measures and the suspension of customs clearance. On Wednesday, officials agreed to exempt certain imports from federal taxes, provided they were meant for local use and complied with specific conditions. The annual value of these exemptions was capped at Rs4 billion.

However, trade leader Javed Hussain said on Thursday that the arrangement fell short of their demands. "After the agreement and its announcement in Islamabad, it was suggested to us to end the protest. But we don't agree with this [suggestion] and have decided to continue the sit-in and keep the trade suspended."

COMMENTS (1)

FAM | 2 weeks ago | Reply Many people avoid paying taxes because they fear being harassed and overcharged by the FBR as has often happened with the salaried class and the organized sector. At the same time the desire to make untaxed profits especially through smuggled goods makes it hard for them to accept any transaction caps like the proposed PKR 4 billion limit. It also seems likely that some within the FBR or influential circles are advising these groups during protests or negotiations which undermines fair tax enforcement.

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