Protest against levy of taxes in Gilgit-Baltistan enters seventh day

GILGIT: The residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Wednesday are taking out a long march in protest against taxes imposed by the federal government after holding demonstrations in various districts of the region for last six days.

The protest call is backed by the traders, transporters and the political figures.

Protest rallies from various districts of the region are to reach the provincial capital city of Gilgit today. A caravan comprising around 500 vehicles has left for Gilgit to participate in the protest against the taxes.

After futile negotiations with protesters, the federal government is to convene a cabinet meeting today on the tax issue.

On the other hand, the Central Traders Association (Anjuman-e-Tajran) has announced to continue their protest until their demands are met and a notification of rescinding taxes is issued.

“The protest will continue till the government resolves the issue,” said President of the Traders Association of Skardu Ghulam Hussain Athar.

The people are staging protests against imposition of taxes after allegedly being disregarded the constitutional rights to people of GB. The centre had extended the taxation law to GB this year through Adaptation Act of 2012, being implemented through GB Council.

These taxes were to be charged on income, bank transactions and other routine transactions.

The traders’ alliance Awami Action Committee and major opposition parties in the region had given a shutter down strike call.

The PML-N led administration in the region made all-out efforts to end the protests but failed in its endeavours.

The demonstrations were staged in several districts of the reigion including Skardu, Kharmang, Ganche and Shigar.