Protest by Gilgit-Baltistan Traders at Sost Border Demands Tax Reforms

The traders in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) are standing firm in their protest at the Sost border point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Their principal demands center on urgently needed policy reforms and an end to the federal government's collection of sales tax, income tax, and excise duty. These taxes, the traders argue, are unfairly levied against the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.

This ongoing protest highlights a much broader discontent in the region regarding the federal taxation policies, which many believe are not only illegitimate but also exploitative. The impact is evident, as traders voice their frustrations over the financial burdens these taxes impose, leading to significant delays and disruptions in trade activities at the border crossing. Their protest is part of a larger movement aimed at challenging what they perceive as decades of economic exploitation and unjust taxation enforced by federal authorities.

Moreover, the situation reflects the increasing regional tensions concerning Gilgit-Baltistan's political and economic autonomy. The strategic importance of CPEC adds layers of complexity to these discussions, making it a contentious topic between local populations and the federal government. As traders continue to rally for change, their cries for justice echo throughout the region, stressing the urgent need for an overhaul of taxation policies affecting Gilgit-Baltistan.