Govt Announces Major Tax Exemptions for Gilgit-Baltistan

In a significant move aimed at providing economic relief for Gilgit-Baltistan, Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari announced various tax exemptions on goods imported for local consumption on Wednesday, including relief from federal levies such as sales tax, income tax, and excise duty. Speaking to the media, flanked by the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, and representatives of the region’s traders’ bodies, the minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for entrusting him with the chairmanship of the committee formed on August 17, 2025, to review GB’s trade and community concerns. He said the committee, in just one and a half months, finalized practical, consensus-based recommendations, which have now been approved by the Prime Minister. Leghari praised the role of the FBR chairman and his team for their cooperation, adding that the entire political leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan contributed meaningfully to the process. He underlined that the Prime Minister had issued clear directives to prioritize the welfare of GB’s people in all aspects of governance. The minister noted that the approved measures would help address hurdles in imports, exports, and transit trade, while creating a more conducive environment for the business community. “This is a significant addition to Pakistan’s economic history, reflecting the vision of inclusive development,” he remarked. Leghari acknowledged the contributions of senior officials, political leaders, and business representatives, including members of the Supreme Council and the GB Chamber of Commerce, who were present at the press conference. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working closely with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their prosperity and integration into national progress. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, extended heartfelt felicitations to the Government of Pakistan, particularly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, for announcing long-awaited tax exemptions for the region. He commended the federal leadership for fulfilling a longstanding demand of the region’s people and business community. The CM underscored the importance of implementing the signed agreement in both letter and spirit to ensure its full benefits are realized across Gilgit-Baltistan. “This is a significant step toward the economic empowerment of Gilgit-Baltistan. We urge the federal authorities to ensure the timely execution of the announced measures,” said CM Gulbar Khan. Meanwhile, Ashfaq Ahmed, President of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber of Commerce, called on traders to resume cross-border trade activities at the Sost border starting Thursday. He expressed optimism that the tax relief would rejuvenate commercial momentum and strengthen regional trade ties. Senator Saleem Mandviwala, a member of the committee formed by the Prime Minister to address the concerns of Gilgit-Baltistan’s traders, stated that the government was deeply concerned over the suspension of trade between Pakistan and China. He noted that the committee had worked tirelessly to devise a viable mechanism for the swift resumption of trade activities in the region.