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China Border Disrupted by Protests Against Tax Collection

The China border disrupted by ongoing protests has severely impacted trade and travel. Demonstrators, angered by the tax collection on imports from China, have blocked the Khunjerab Pass, causing significant delays and disruptions. The protesters demand the implementation of the GB Chief Court’s order to halt the tax collection, insisting that their grievances be addressed to resume normal operations at the border

Protesters threatened to block the Karakoram Highway (CPEC), the primary entry and exit point at Khunjerab Top, and extend the protest to other areas if their demands are not met. GB traders continued their sit-in outside the Sost Dry Port for the sixth consecutive day, suspending all port operations. They are demanding the implementation of the Chief Court’s order to restrain the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs from collecting taxes on imports from China.

Small traders also staged a sit-in outside the Pakistan Immigration office at Sost, halting travel to China. This resulted in thousands of foreign and local passengers being unable to travel through the Khunjerab Pass. Protesters carried banners with slogans against the GB collector of customs, chief collector north, and member customs operations.

The protesters accused Pakistan Customs officials of ignoring the legitimate concerns of local traders, forcing them to protest. Addressing the sit-in, GB Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Imran Ali stated that FBR and customs officials have been illegally collecting taxes on items imported from China, in defiance of the court order. He demanded an inquiry into the customs officials’ actions, which have escalated tensions in the region.

Muhammad Iqbal, president of the GB Importers and Exporters Association, called for a federal inquiry against customs officials for denying the people’s rights and disregarding the GB court’s decision. He emphasized that if the FBR does not recognize the GB court and assembly, the GB people have the right to reject all FBR-imposed taxes. Despite this, the GB people continue to pay taxes directly or indirectly.

Muhammad Iqbal warned that the peaceful movement for the rights of GB people will persist, cautioning against ignoring their legal and constitutional demands. Former GB assembly member and businessman Javed Hussain highlighted that trade between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass has been suspended for months, leaving thousands jobless. He demanded an inquiry into the actions of GB customs officials.

Local traders with border passes issued by the GB government have also suffered since the issue began in April 2024. Small trade organizations joined the protest, appealing to the Pakistan army chief and prime minister to end the injustices against local people and demanding the resignation of the customs collector.

A rally from Sost Bazaar to the Pakistan Immigration office in Sost saw a large turnout of local residents showing solidarity with the protesters. Members of the GB Assembly, from both the treasury and opposition benches, along with representatives of religious and social organizations, visited the sit-in to express their support.

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