Highway Blockade Paralyzes Traffic in Gilgit-Baltistan
For the third consecutive day, the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan, part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), remained blocked as massive protests erupted against the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government’s trade policies. The blockade has completely halted all vehicular movement on this vital route, which connects Pakistan to China and is also known as the lifeline of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Public Anger Against ‘Exploitative’ Trade Policies
Thousands of residents, including importers, exporters, traders, scholars, and civil society members from Hunza, Gilgit, and nearby towns, joined the sit-in at Gulmat Nagar. Backed by political parties including the ruling PML(N), the protestors have described the federal government’s trade decisions as “exploitative” and an act of “economic murder.”
Internal Dissent in PML(N)
Even Javed Hussain, a local PML(N) leader and former member of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, criticized his party, admitting that the federal government was not serious about addressing the demands. He further alleged that PoK continues to face discrimination due to its lack of representation in Pakistan’s Parliament.
Why Are People Protesting?
Organized by the Pak-China Traders Action Committee. The protests have been spearheaded by the Pak-China Traders Action Committee, which includes:
- Gilgit-Baltistan Importers and Exporters Association
- Nagar Chamber of Commerce
- Trade associations from Nagar, Hunza, and Gilgit
Suspension of Customs Clearance at Sost Dry Port
The agitation stems from the six-month-long closure of the Sost Dry Port, which has led to a halt in customs clearance for Chinese imports. Protesters claim:
-At least 257 consignments are stuck at the port since December 2024
-Goods have expired, resulting in heavy financial losses
-Traders are also bearing daily port charges and storage expenses
What Are the Protesters Demanding?
- Immediate Government Action
- Immediate clearance of all stranded consignments
- A one-time amnesty scheme to waive penalties and release goods
- Restoration of trade flow between China and PoK via the Karakoram Highway
