In a big win for Gilgit-Baltistan, the federal government has rolled out a major relief package allowing duty-free imports worth up to Rs4 billion through the Sost Customs Dry Port. The move is expected to give a significant boost to the region’s businesses and economy.
This new facility was announced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and comes under the authority of several key laws, including the Customs Act 1969, Sales Tax Act 1990, Federal Excise Act 2005, and Income Tax Ordinance 2001. The announcement is effective immediately.
Here’s how it works: Only goods brought in through the Silk Route Dry Port at Sost, and falling under specific categories listed in the official notification, will get this exemption. That means no sales tax, income tax, or excise duty will be charged, as long as each shipment carries valid online approval from Gilgit-Baltistan’s official authorities and the importing business is completely owned by locals with Gilgit-Baltistan domicile.
There’s a catch, though. The total duty-free imports are limited to Rs4 billion per financial year, and the benefit is on a first-come, first-served basis using the computerised customs system. When the quota is hit, any further products brought in for use in Gilgit-Baltistan will be taxed as normal.
The scheme comes with strict oversight. The government of Gilgit-Baltistan must make sure all imported items are used within its borders. If goods are misdeclared or shipped out of the region, the Collector of Customs can revoke the tax breaks immediately. The Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement) has also been ordered to keep a close eye and stop goods from leaving Gilgit-Baltistan.
The rules allow for temporary suspension of the benefit if customs operations are blocked due to protests or road issues—but only after consultation between customs officials and the Gilgit-Baltistan government.
To make all this work, the FBR will set up a special monitoring and tracking system to clearly mark which goods are meant for Gilgit-Baltistan.
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