Overview

• Islamabad unveiled a package ending sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty on imports through Sost that are consumed within Gilgit-Baltistan, while retaining customs and regulatory duties.
• The scheme caps annual exemptions at Rs4 billion and allocates them on a first-come, first-served digital quota via Pakistan Customs’ WeBOC system for verified GB-resident firms and specified goods.
• Officials said previously stuck consignments at Sost will be cleared and pledged transparency by publishing importer and product details, with penalties for misdeclaration or resale outside GB.
• Coverage diverged on the protest’s status as some trader groups claimed an end to the sit-in, but prominent leader Javed Hussain publicly rejected the capped, conditional plan and vowed to continue.
• Cross-border trade and passenger movement via the Khunjerab Pass remain disrupted, with travelers including students reported stranded at Sost.