A large number of Gilgit-Baltistan residents took to the streets and marched against the federal government. A large number of traders, transporters and common men of the region began the march towards Gilgit from Skardu in an attempt to build pressure on the federal government. They demand that of the federal government for withdrawal of the taxes until provision of a constitutional status to the region. According to a report, Strikes had already begun on December 21 in 10 districts of the region. Despite the extreme weather conditions, the sit-ins at Skardu’s Yadgar Chowk and Gilgit’s Etihad Chowk have been attracting thousands of people. Report says that several rounds of talks between the protesters and officials of the G-B government have remained futile. Leaders of the protesters accuse the G-B government of trying to foil the protest against the imposition of taxes. The Center had extended the taxation law to G-B this year through Adaptation Act of 2012, being implemented through GB Council. These taxes were to be charged on income, bank transactions and other routine transactions. Protesters argue that since G-B has been termed a disputed territory and its residents deprived of constitutional status, imposition of taxes on its citizens was unlawful and unconstitutional. Addressing the protesters in Skardu, GB council member Syed Abbas said the GB people would not pay taxes until a constitutional status was provided to their region.
The GB administration had decided to take some security measures for maintaining law and order in the region. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by the commandant of Force Command Northern Areas, GB Chief Minister Dr Kazim Niaz, IGP Sabir Ahmed and representatives of intelligence agencies. Despite severe weather conditions, the people of GB are constantly protesting against the federal government for withdrawal of the taxes until provision of a constitutional status to the region. Federal and provincial authorities should initiate result oriented dialogue with protesters and should resolve matter on fast track basis. The federal government had promised to resolve the matter regarding the constitutional and other rights of the region and it formed special committee to deliberate on the issue but unfortunately so far it has failed to give any way forward. The government should end unfair taxation in GB and introduce new tax regime for the region with the consultation of all stakeholders.