Political activist and senior lawyer Advocate Zahoor Karim has strongly condemned the harassment of young entrepreneurs at the Pakistan-China border through various unjustified tactics. In a statement he has criticised the imposition of unnecessary conditions on the issuance of border passes and the enforcement of taxes, calling these actions a deliberate attempt to create unrest among the youth and disrupt peace in the region.
He demanded that the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Force Commander and other responsible authorities, immediately revoke the unconstitutional condition of a Rs. 5 million transaction requirement for border pass issuance, establish a sub-office in the district for pass issuance, and ensure all border rights for the district’s youth under international laws.
He stated that preventing smuggling is the responsibility of the state, but instead of cracking down on illicit activities, authorities are harassing youth engaged in legitimate trade. He warned that such actions would provoke a strong reaction from the local community.
Advocate Zahoor issued a warning to authorities, urging them to address all demands and facilitate young traders rather than creating unnecessary hurdles. He cautioned that if the harassment continues, a protest movement will soon be launched in Hunza. He added that such a movement would force the federal and provincial governments to make key decisions regarding the border and compel them to grant all legitimate rights.
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