GILGIT: Following the recent confrontation between local traders and Customs authorities in the Sost baggage section, where traders forcibly took away over 70 freight-carrying vehicles, Customs and police officials have managed to regain control of approximately 49 of these vehicles.
The incident, which unfolded as traders expressed frustration over delayed Customs clearance and heavy taxation, has further escalated tensions in the region. Traders claim that their vehicles, loaded with goods, had been stuck for several months without any progress in the clearance process.
They argue that the Customs officials’ inefficiency and slow pace of work have severely impacted their businesses, leading them to resort to taking back their vehicles without formal clearance.
According to the traders, the heavy taxes imposed have created additional financial strain, exacerbating the already limited economic opportunities in the area.
However, Customs officials offer a different perspective. According to them, the customs staff had been processing clearances on time, and many vehicles had already been cleared.
They allege that the traders refused to pay the necessary taxes and, in a heated confrontation, attacked the Customs staff before forcibly taking away the vehicles. The officials emphasized that under the law, tax payment is mandatory, and any goods for which taxes are not paid will be subject to seizure.
Despite this, the Customs official said that at the request of Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, Muhammad Ali Quaid, they had decided not to seize the vehicles and goods. However, he clarified that criminal proceedings would still be pursued under two registered FIRs.
As of now, out of the 74 vehicles initially reported taken by the traders, the authorities have recovered 49. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining vehicles and bring them back under control. The Customs authorities continue to conduct raids and are in discussions with local traders to address the ongoing standoff.