Good news for traders in Gilgit-Baltistan! The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court has declared the collection of income tax, sales tax, and additional sales tax on goods imported from China through the Khunjerab Pass as illegal. This decision came after a petition filed by GB Importers and Exporters Association president Muhammad Iqbal, challenging the taxes collected at the Sost Dry Port on Chinese goods.
The court has ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Customs to stop collecting these taxes, citing that GB is exempt from such taxes on imported items. Advocate Adnan Hussain, one of the petitioner’s lawyers, highlighted that despite previous exemptions, FBR continued to collect these taxes illegally.
The discontent among GB traders led to strikes and halting of trade activities since April, prompting the GB Assembly to pass a resolution demanding the federal government to cease tax collection on goods imported from China through the Khunjerab Pass. Stay tuned for further updates as the petition undergoes regular hearing after summer vacations.
Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2024
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