GB Finance Act suspended after talks with protesters

GILGIT: The provincial government of Gilgit-Baltistan has suspended the GB Finance Act 2023 after restoring the wheat subsidy.

The Public Action Committee has granted a three-week extension for the approval of remaining 13 demands, postponing the ongoing public protest sit-in at Gilgit Union Square for 21 days.

The breakthrough was made possible after successful negotiations between the Public Action Committee and the government late Monday night. With the government agreeing to another significant demand in the charter of demands, the GB Finance Act 2023 has been suspended. A notification has been issued to halt tax collection for an indefinite period under the act, pending further review.

Public Action Committee Coordinator Advocate Ehsan Ali confirmed the success of the negotiations to The News, saying that the provincial government had sought an extension from the committee to make progress on other demands. In the light of the government’s assurance, the leaders decided to postpone the ongoing sit-in for three weeks to allow the provincial government to work on the approval of remaining 13 demands. During this period, the Public Action Committee will continue to mobilise the public for the next protest and prepare for intensified protests with renewed vigour if progress is not made.

Provincial Interior Minister Shams Lone informed the media that the government is accepting the demands of the committee in stages, and a notification should be issued immediately to revoke the cancellation of valuable leases given to non-local individuals.