Massive non-cooperation movement has been launched across Gilgit-Baltistan. Scores of people are on streets venting out their anger against new tax regime imposed by Islamabad. Traders have refused to pay the taxes. The protesters have termed the taxes levied on their businesses as unjust and unfair. They have gone on indefinite strike against the taxation regime.
Hundreds of traders in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are out on streets against new taxes imposed by the Pakistan government.
Massive protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir against the Pakistan government. Hundreds of traders came out on streets at Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK.
The traders staged protests against new taxes levied by the Pakistan government. With the traders staging protests at Skardu, the business activities came to a standstill in the area. The traders kept their shutters down.
“Will you pay taxes to Pakistan on chickens kept in your household? Will you pay taxes on cow kept at your house for milk,” asked an angry protester addressing the rally.
He further said, “Taxes are being imposed on additional family members. More tax has to be paid if you have more than five members of your family.”
The business community in Gilgit-Baltistan says that as Pakistan’s Supreme Court has declared the region as disputed territory, Islamabad has no right to impose taxes.
“Pakistan government is imposing new taxes illegally through ordinance,” said another local businessman. Taxes collected by the authorities are never spent on the development and welfare of Gilgit Baltistan, the protesters alleged.
Heavy taxes are imposed on traders in Gilgit-Baltistan without providing basic fundamental rights, subsidy or constitutional status to the region.
“I urge people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and other parts of Pakistan, be prepared, we are going to take on Islamabad head on,” said another protester addressing the rally.
Post Your Comments