Gilgit-Baltistan Traders End Protest at Sost Dry Port After More Than Two Months

Sost, Gilgit-Baltistan — September 27, 2025:
Traders in Gilgit-Baltistan have ended their more than two-month-long sit-in at the Sost Dry Port, paving the way for the resumption of trade and tourism between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass.

Background of the Protest

The protest, which began in July 2025, was launched against the government’s taxation policies and the suspension of customs clearance at the port.
Led by trade leader Javed Hussain, the demonstration disrupted trade for weeks, impacting both local businesses and cross-border commerce.

According to Hussain, the announcement to end the protest came after consultations with the supreme council, the representative body of the traders in talks with the federal and GB governments.

Government Response and Tax Exemption Deal

Earlier this week, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari announced that the federal government had agreed to tax exemptions on imports through Sost Dry Port, provided the goods were for local consumption and met strict conditions.

• The exemptions are capped at Rs4 billion annually.

• A special consolidated Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) is to be issued within one month.

• Containers stuck at the port for the last two years will be cleared within the next two days.

Despite this announcement, some traders initially expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the outcome of the negotiations did not fully align with their demands.

Traders’ Reservations

Trade leader Javed Hussain acknowledged that while the sit-in was called off on the suggestion of the supreme council, he personally held reservations about the decision.

Another trade leader, Rehan Shah, said the deal was discussed in detail with the council. He confirmed that traders would review their future plan of action based on whether the promised SRO was issued on time.

“The practical implementation of our demands will only be seen once the SRO is issued,” Shah noted, adding that traders would reconvene to decide next steps if there was a delay.

Looking Ahead

The end of the sit-in marks a significant step toward normalizing trade at the Pakistan-China border via Gilgit-Baltistan. However, traders remain cautious, stressing that the implementation of promises will determine whether the matter is fully resolved or reignited.

The Sost Dry Port, located near the Khunjerab Pass, serves as a vital hub for Pakistan-China trade and is a key gateway for tourism in the region.