GILGIT: Widespread protests broke out across Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday after law enforcement agencies used tear gas and aerial firing to disperse traders staging a sit-in at Sost against income and sales taxes collected at the Khunjerab border.

The clashes began around 2am when supporters from Hunza and Nagar joined the protest. Police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel allegedly fired tear gas shells and live rounds, prompting protesters to retaliate with stones. At least seven policemen were injured, while several traders also sustained injuries. Four drivers from Nagar were detained by security forces.

Traders claimed expired tear gas and live ammunition were used against them, accusing LEAs of sabotaging ongoing talks. Former G-B Chamber of Commerce president Javed Hussain said the crackdown derailed near-finalised dialogue with authorities.

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Hunza police, however, maintained the operation was aimed at arresting a suspect accused of extortion and smuggling at the customs facility.

The incident triggered demonstrations in over a dozen locations across Hunza, Nagar and Gilgit. In Nagar’s Harespo area, protesters blocked reinforcements headed to Sost.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan postponed his visit to Hunza, saying his government had not ordered any crackdown and that talks with traders were progressing.