A new taxation law passed by the Pakistan legislative assembly has met with public anger in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The law reportedly will affect the common people already struggling with prolonged electricity shortage in the region. The protesters, on Friday, said that the Gilgit-Baltistan Revenue Authority Bill 2022 and has imposed new taxes on 135 items.
The law which was first passed by the assembly in August this year, was rejected by GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah in September. The bill was again tabled in the assembly and was passed for the second time, automatically turning it into a law.
Shops in a number of districts shut and traffic on roads was minimal too, after a call by the GB traders’ body and hotel association. In the Nasirabad area of Hunza, where locals took out a rally on Karakoram Highway. The demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans against the new taxes.
The imposition of taxes on 135 items will affect the poor people said Masoodur Rehman, central traders body President of Gilgit-Baltistan.
