Ongoing protests at Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan’s (PoGB) Sost dry port have caused significant disruptions for foreign nationals attempting to enter or exit the region. The protests, now in their third day, have left numerous travelers stranded outside the customs office, unable to complete necessary clearance procedures.
Traders involved in cross-border trade between China and Pakistan organized the protest, citing grievances over illegal taxes imposed by customs officials. Despite a court order from the Chief Court of PoGB restraining the collection of sales tax, income tax, and additional sales tax, traders say that the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) and customs officers have been obstructing the enforcement of this order.
Traders from PoGB initiated a sit-in on 29 July, at the NLC Dry Port in Sost to demand the implementation of a court order regarding tax exemptions for cross-border trade with China through the Khunjerab Pass.
Traders, including those from Quetta, have expressed frustration over the delays, about the corruption and bribery that are affecting the process. A trader who has been waiting for five days criticized the customs officials for their inaction and claimed that only those who paid bribes were cleared.
Protesters are demanding that customs officials comply with the court order and end the illegal tax collection. If their demands are not met, they have warned of escalating the protest, potentially blocking key transportation routes such as the Karakoram Highway.