GB Traders Block Karakoram Highway, Dry Port Over Tax Dispute

GILGIT-BALTISTAN – Traders protesting taxes at the Pakistan–China border on Monday shut down the Silk Route Dry Port and blocked the Karakoram Highway at multiple points in Hunza and Nagar districts. The move, led by the Pak-China Trades Action Committee, left tourists and residents stranded.

In Hunza, a sit-in at Murtazaabad ended after intervention, but the blockade at Sost Dry Port continues. Three traders were taken into protective custody during the protest; two remain detained, and no FIRs have been filed, according to Hunza Deputy Commissioner Huzaifa Anwar.

Authorities are prioritising highway clearance to ease travel disruptions. Local business leaders, including former GB Chamber president Javed Hussain, criticised the authorities for arresting traders and vowed not to compromise on their demands. They are protesting income and sales tax collection at the dry port.

Deputy Commissioner Asghar Khan clarified that the highway was temporarily closed due to a Muharram procession in Nagar, not by protesters. He confirmed no traders were detained there.

This follows earlier protests in June and May by local importers over what they called unfair trade policies by the Federal Board of Revenue. Those narrow shutdowns also impacted travel and trade flow through the Khunjerab Pass.