Archive · 17 Aug 2025
Gilgit-Baltistan Traders Protest Unequal Trade Policies
People in Gilgit-Baltistan are upset about how trade with China is working.
They feel like Chinese businesses benefit more than they do, and that the government isn't helping them.
They're protesting because they're required to follow stricter regulations than Chinese traders.
They are also protesting the taxes and fees.
They want a better system.
These protests include blocking important roads.
Gilgit-Baltistan traders are protesting against the China-Pakistan trade apparatus.
Pakistani traders responded to Chinese nationals blocking roads by staging a sit-in.
Traders claim economic benefits favor Chinese interests, disadvantaging locals.
CPEC is seen as not benefiting the local economy, with local businesses facing bureaucracy.
Traders are protesting illegal taxation imposed by federal agencies.
- Who
- Local traders, members of the Pak-China Traders Action Committee, and residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.
- What
- Protests and sit-ins by traders in Gilgit-Baltistan against the China-Pakistan trade system and taxation.
- When
- Since July 21st, with a recent escalation and a standstill on July 31.
- Where
- Gilgit-Baltistan, specifically at the Sost Dry Port, Hunza and Karakoram Highway.
- Why
- To protest exploitative trade practices, unfair taxation, and the perceived dominance of Chinese interests.
Gilgit-Baltistan Traders
Pakistan and China
Taxation
Gilgit-Baltistan Traders
Demand exemption from taxes.
Pakistan and China
Federal agencies impose income and sales taxes.
Trade Regulations
Gilgit-Baltistan Traders
Contend local businesses are suffocated by bureaucracy.
Pakistan and China
Chinese shipments face minimal scrutiny.
- Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Key Issue
- Trade imbalance, Taxation
- Protest Location
- Sost, Karakoram Highway
- Protestors
- Traders, PCTAC
- CPEC
- Disputed Benefits
