Karakoram Highway Blockade: PoK Trade with China Grinds to Halt
Traders in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoK) have brought trade with China to a standstill. Their 23-day-long blockade of the Karakoram Highway continues.
The protest stems from the traders’ opposition to what they term “illegal” federal taxes imposed by the Pakistani government. They argue these levies are unjustified given the region’s disputed status.
The blockade has garnered significant public support within PoK, severely impacting the local economy and disrupting the flow of goods and people.
This prolonged disruption highlights the simmering discontent in the region and the vulnerability of trade routes crucial to Pakistan’s economic ties with China. The situation underscores the complex political realities and economic dependencies within the region, potentially impacting regional stability and bilateral relations.
