PoGB Traders Protest Against Tax Collection at Sost Dry Port
In Sost, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB), traders are protesting to stop the collection of taxes on imports from China. The protests began after a court order exempted the region from these taxes, but the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Customs continued to collect them.
Background
Last month, Justice Raja Shakeel Ahmed of the PoGB Chief Court ordered the FBR and Customs to stop collecting taxes, sales tax, and additional sales tax from PoGB traders on imports from China. Despite this, the traders have been protesting for two weeks, blocking the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and suspending travel, trade, and customs between Pakistan and China.
Current Situation
The Assistant Customs Collector at Sost, Imtiaz Shigri, sent a notice to the GB Importers and Exporters Association president Muhammad Iqbal, advising the traders to clear the customs premises and allow normal trade activity. However, the traders have continued their sit-in outside the Sost dry port and blocked the KKH, demanding the fulfillment of their demands before calling off the protest.
Traders’ Stand
Traders’ representatives Javed Hussain, Muhammad Abbas, Imtiaz Gilgiti, and others have accused customs officials of ignoring the court order and the PoGB Assembly. They have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
Doubts Revealed
PoGB -: PoGB stands for Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan. It is a region in the northern part of Pakistan that is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Sost Dry Port -: Sost Dry Port is a place where goods are stored and checked before they are transported to other places. It is located near the border between Pakistan and China.
Imports -: Imports are goods that are brought into a country from another country. In this case, the goods are coming from China to Pakistan.
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) -: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is a government agency in Pakistan that collects taxes and makes sure people follow tax laws.
Customs -: Customs is a government department that checks goods coming into a country and collects taxes on them. They make sure everything is legal and safe.
Karakoram Highway -: The Karakoram Highway is a very long road that connects Pakistan and China. It goes through the high mountains and is important for trade and travel.