'We will take Pakistan head on' - Gilgit Baltistan leaders warn Islamabad

New Delhi: Massive anti-Pakistan protests are being held across Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation by the Pakistani regime on Saturday.

According to ANI, a large number of residents, small traders and businessmen today joined the protest against unfair taxation policy of the Pakistan government in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan.

Skardu: Massive anti-Pakistan protests across Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation pic.twitter.com/7IqKcj8CRL — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017

Due to the protest and shutdown, economic activities in the entire Gilgit Baltistan have come to a standstill.

All small and big businesses were shut down indefinitely against unfair and unjust taxes imposed on them by Pakistan.

Businessmen in Gilgit Baltistan are opposing the illegal taxation policy. We will carry on with the protests with same force and zeal until the Pakistan government withdraws notification of taxes, a businessman was quoted as saying.

One of the protesters slammed the Pakistan government and warned that their protest against its repressive and unjust policies will continue till they get rid of it.

#WATCH: Massive anti-Pakistan protests across Gilgit Baltistan against illegal taxation #Skardu pic.twitter.com/Zwei7MZaKO — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2017

"Will you pay taxes to Pakistan on chickens kept in your households? Will you pay taxes on cow kept at your house for milk," an angry protester asked while addressing a gathering in the Skardu city.

On the taxation system, he said, "Taxes are imposed on additional family members, if you have more than five family members, an additional tax needs to be paid."

''I urge people of Gilgit Baltistan living in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and other parts of Pakistan to be prepared. We are going to take on Islamabad head-on,'' an unidentified leader of the protesters said.

"We will not pay taxes," the agitating traders declared.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests were held last month on October 22 across PoK and Gilgit Baltistan to mark 'Black Day'.

This day, on October 22 in 1947, the Pakistani Army had invaded the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Protests were also reported from Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit and Hajirah and other places.

The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans. They also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the 'occupied' territory.

A massive rally and public meeting were held at Banbehek, near Rawalakot. A similar protest rally was held in the Kotli and Hajira towns of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.