Gilgit-Baltistan Traders Rally Against Customs Baggage Ban at Khunjerab Border

Traders in Gilgit-Baltistan are protesting customs regulations that ban baggage trade at the Khunjerab border. They fear the policy change threatens economic stability and local businesses, demanding that authorities intervene to lift what they call restrictive and inconsistent measures.

Traders from Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan staged a protest on Wednesday at the Pakistan Customs Check Post in Sost, Hunza. Their demonstration came in response to the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) banning of baggage trade at the Khunjerab border, a move reported by local media outlet Hum English.

A notice issued by the Customs Administration in Sost notified vehicle owners that all vehicles classified as baggage must clear their taxes and exit within two days. The notice cited SRO 1649, declared by the Government of Pakistan, prohibiting all commercial activity within baggage and warning that non-compliance would lead to vehicle and goods seizure.

Invoking powers from Section 219 of the Customs Act of 1969, the FBR's SRO 1649 (I)/2024 proposes amendments to the Baggage Rules of 2006. The regulations mandate that the adjudicating authority outlined in the Act will confiscate goods brought in commercial quantities. Traders have urged authorities to act swiftly, describing the restrictions as oppressive and demanding the reversal of the ban to protect local business interests.

One protestor emphasized the impact of the ban, stating, "If smaller vehicles can't pass, we won't allow larger freight containers to cross either," highlighting the severe disruption to trade activities. Sost has frequently seen protests against Customs, as traders respond to rapidly changing regulations at the border.

Since the border's reopening for trade in April, traders allege injustices by customs officials, citing policy shifts that create uncertainty and impede regional economic development. Earlier this year, they contested border tax collection, arguing PoGB's disputed status should exempt it from such obligations. However, the Chief Court upheld the customs' authority to enforce taxes at Khunjerab.

(With inputs from agencies.)