Gilgit: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has decided to suspend the enforcement of all fees and taxes introduced through the Finance Act 2023 in select departments.<\/p>\n
The decision, announced by the Chief Minister’s office via notification, will particularly impact the construction and fisheries sectors, with exemptions granted to the education and agriculture departments.<\/p>\n
The official statement from the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Secretariat emphasized the government’s dedication to improving accessibility to essential services and reducing the financial strain on the populace.<\/p>\n
The suspension of the Finance Act 2023 will remain in effect until final approval and new amendments are made by the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet and Assembly. During this period, government departments with concerns or reservations are encouraged to submit written reports to the Cabinet for review.<\/p>\n
This development aligns with the demands outlined in the 15-point charter submitted by the ‘Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan,’ a joint platform of regional political and religious parties.<\/p>\n
The second demand in the charter called for the abolition of the Finance Act, proposing that Gilgit-Baltistan<\/a>‘s domicile holders be exempted from taxes.<\/p>\n The government’s decision follows recent protests and sit-ins organized by the Awami Action Committee, prompting a reconsideration of the initially proposed new price of wheat.<\/p>\n