China, Pakistan: Rallies in Gilgit Baltistan interrupting cross-border trade and travel disruptions end as of Aug. 12 /update 1

Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, that were disrupting cross-border trade and travel with neighboring Xinjiang, China, have ended as of Aug. 12. Activists in Gilgit-Baltistan had staged disruptive sit-ins along a major section of the Karakoram Highway (National Highway 35) and outside the Sost Dry Port from July 24, affecting cross-border travel and trade near the Khunjerab Pass. Organizers were denouncing taxation on Chinese imports at the affected crossing and called off the action following successful negotiations with government officials.

Lingering localized transport and business disruptions, including shipping delays, are possible through Aug. 12 as operators clear backlogs.