ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government on Wednesday announced tax reliefs on goods imported for Gilgit-Baltistan residents, including exemption from sales tax and income tax, state-run APP reported.
After the tax issues were resolved, the President of the Gilgit Chamber of Commerce, Ashfaq Ahmed, announced the end of the two-month-long protest near the China border in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Ahmed called on traders to resume cross-border trade activities at the Sost border starting Thursday. He expressed optimism that the tax relief would rejuvenate commercial momentum and strengthen regional trade ties.
The sit-in protest launched in late July at the Sost dry port had brought trade between Pakistan and China to a halt, with the movement of people also adversely affected.
Speaking to the media, flanked by Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, and representatives of Gilgit-Baltistan’s traders’ bodies, the Federal Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for entrusting him with the chairmanship of the committee formed on August 17 to review GB’s trade and community concerns.
He said the committee, in just one and a half months, finalized practical and consensus-based recommendations which have now been approved by the Prime Minister.
Leghari praised the role of the FBR Chairman and his team for their cooperation, adding that the entire political leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan contributed meaningfully towards the process. He underlined that the Prime Minister had given clear directives to prioritize the welfare of GB’s people in all aspects of governance.
The minister noted that the approved measures would help address hurdles in imports, exports, and transit trade, while creating a better environment for the business community. “This is a significant addition to Pakistan’s economic history, reflecting the vision of inclusive development,” he remarked.
Leghari acknowledged the contributions of senior officials, political leaders, and business representatives, including members of the Supreme Council and GB Chamber of Commerce, who were present at the press conference. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working closely with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their prosperity and integration in national progress.
Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, extended heartfelt felicitations to the Government of Pakistan, particularly Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, for announcing long-awaited tax exemptions for the region.
He commended the federal leadership for fulfilling a longstanding demand of the region’s people and business community.
The CM underscored the importance of implementing the signed agreement in both letter and spirit to ensure its full benefits are realized across Gilgit-Baltistan.
