PoK Karakoram highway protests: Thousands block Pakistan-China road for 3 days to protest against Shehbaz Sharif govt's policies
PoK Karakoram highway protests over stalled imports
The protest began after customs authorities suspended clearance of Chinese-imported goods at Sost Dry Port nearly six months ago. Protesters claim that at least 257 consignments remain stuck at the port since December, resulting in expired goods, daily port charges, and financial losses.
Protesters are demanding a one-time amnesty scheme to clear the stranded goods. 'The policies of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Customs Department have economically murdered us,' protesters said. 'We cannot bear the losses anymore.'
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Traders' groups lead the blockade
The protest is led by the Pak-China Traders Action Committee, which includes the Gilgit-Baltistan Importers and Exporters Association, Nagar Chamber of Commerce, and various small trade bodies from Nagar, Hunza, and Gilgit.
Since the protest began, long lines of vehicles have formed on both sides of the highway, leaving thousands of passengers and tourists stranded. The sit-in is taking place in Gulmat Nagar and has drawn support from traders, students, scholars, and civil society members.
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Recurring protests in Gilgit-Baltistan
This is not the first time people in the region have taken to the streets. Last month, residents protested a proposed bill that would allow land and mineral grabs, along with prolonged power cuts. In October 2023, Skardu residents demanded the opening of the road to Kargil in India, citing rising prices and shortages of basic goods.
Demonstrators have also protested what they describe as the illegal occupation of their lands, shouting slogans such as 'Kabze par kabza namanzoor' (we reject repeated occupations).
Political voices join the protest
Local leaders of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met protesters and expressed support for their demands. However, efforts to persuade the demonstrators to end the blockade were unsuccessful.
Javed Hussain, a local leader of Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif
's own Pakistan Muslim League (N), openly criticised the federal government's handling of the issue. 'GB people have been paying all taxes, yet the FBR is reluctant to clear their consignments. The government of Pakistan even gave amnesty to high-profile terrorists. So, giving a one-time amnesty to clear 250 consignments after paying taxes was not a big demand,' Hussain told Dawn.
Gilgit-Baltistan government passes responsibility
Muhammad Ali Quaid, special assistant to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, said the local administration lacked the authority to resolve the issue. He added that the matter must be handled by the federal government in Islamabad.
The repeated protests across the region reflect growing frustration with the central government's economic and political approach toward POK. The continued unrest also exposes the widening gap between local needs and federal policies.
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