Sost, Aug. 4 -- For more than three years, traders in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have been protesting at the Sost Dry Port, demanding an end to long-standing customs delays and the imposition of federal taxes on imported goods.

Despite a court ruling in July 2024 that exempts them from certain federal taxes, customs officials are reportedly still enforcing these charges. This has caused significant financial losses for the traders and has severely impacted their businesses. Protest leaders also allege that authorities have resorted to unlawful detentions as a means to disrupt and undermine their ongoing movement.

One protester explained that, without any warrant, police forces entered their homes and detained them without any ju...