Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved tax relief measures at the Sost Dry Port in response to longstanding demands from the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Islamabad by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, who was joined by Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and representatives of the region’s business community.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a committee to look into the demands of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The committee, headed by Leghari, finalized its recommendations in a span of 45 days, and the Prime Minister has approved all the proposals to support the people and traders of Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to foster a more business-friendly environment.

The Minister emphasized that tax relief and policy reforms have been long-standing demands, as existing regulations were hindering imports, exports, and transit trade through the Sost Dry Port. He noted that the committee engaged with all relevant stakeholders, including the business community and political leadership of the area, and expressed gratitude for their valuable input.

Providing further details, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial said goods intended for consumption within Gilgit-Baltistan will be exempted from sales tax, advance income tax, and federal excise duty. However, customs duty and regulatory duty will remain in effect.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and members of the business community expressed their appreciation to the Prime Minister for approving the relief measures.