Traders’ protest at Sost dry port disrupts cross-border travel, commerce

GILGIT: Trade at the Sost dry port in Upper Hunza came to a standstill on Monday when traders escalated their 50-day sit-in by blocking immigration services -- suspending cross-border travel and commerce through Pakistan’s only land route with China.

The protesters, led by Pak–China Tajir Ittehad Action Committee and backed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Council, are demanding exemption from federal income and sales taxes on imports from China, citing Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional status. They are also calling for one-time amnesty and immediate clearance of more than 280 consignments stranded at the port, while reduction of customs duties and operational costs that traders argue disproportionately burden small businesses.

“We are not against the government or legal processes,” said Javed Hussain, a representative of the traders. “But our goods have been stuck at the port for months. Small traders are suffering losses while larger operators continue business as usual. We demand fair treatment.”

The ongoing suspension of immigration services has left a large number of foreign passengers, including Chinese nationals and students, stranded at Sost. This marks the second time protesters have shut down immigration at the border. The first blockade began on July 28 but was partially lifted on August 19 after “positive signals” from a federal committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Traders, however, say no concrete progress has followed since then.

The GB Supreme Council—an umbrella body of stakeholders negotiating on behalf of the traders—convened an emergency meeting on Sunday. Along with the Pak–China Traders Union Action Committee, it has issued a three-day ultimatum to the provincial government, warning of a complete shutdown strike and full blockade of roads across Gilgit-Baltistan starting September 12 if their demands are not met by the night of September 10.

Addressing the GB Assembly, Interior Minister Shams Lone reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain law and order while acknowledging grievances of the business community. He described Sost as a “national asset” and cautioned that unlawful practices would not be tolerated.

“No group or mafia can hijack the port, nor will the government allow it,” Lone said. “Trade operations will continue transparently within the legal framework. The government stands with the people on all legitimate and lawful demands but anti-state rhetoric will not be tolerated.” Earlier rounds of talks involving government-appointed committees and local representatives failed to produce results, further deepening the deadlock.