PoGB Official Criticizes Authorities Over Developmental Neglect and Taxation Issues

Advocate Amjad Husain of Pakistan Peoples Party voiced concerns over developmental neglect and taxation issues in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan. He criticized local authorities for ignoring infrastructure problems and heavy taxation, which is causing unrest among residents and traders. Protests have led to halted trade activities with China.

Advocate Amjad Husain, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, voiced strong concerns on Saturday over the challenges faced by the citizens of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB). These include developmental neglect and unfair tax practices, reported WTV, a local news organization from PoGB.

Addressing a protest at Sost Dry Port, Husain criticized local authorities for neglecting infrastructure and basic facilities. He highlighted the severe load-shedding problem, which has plagued the region for years, leaving residents with up to 20-hour daily power cuts. Husain argued that until there is a stable power supply, no taxes should be imposed on electricity.

Husain also supported the ongoing protest by traders against heavy taxation. He accused authorities of obstructing cross-border trade with China and denying the use of local mining resources. Despite a court ruling exempting PoGB from certain taxes, authorities continue to impose them, leading to ongoing protests and threats to block the Karakoram Highway if demands remain unmet.