August 24, 2002	Saturday	Jamadi-us-Saani 14, 1423

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GILGIT, Aug 23: A complete shutter down strike was observed here on Friday against the imposition of taxes by the Central Board of Revenue in Northern Areas.

Business activities remained suspended on the call given by the Anti-CBR Movement.

Traffic also remained thin and only private vehicles were plying on the roads. A large number of people intending to travel to far flung areas and Rawalpindi were stranded at bus stops.

The movement is opposing imposition of taxes by the government on the plea that the area is not a constitutional part of Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference, leaders of the movement asked the government to withdraw the CBR and its taxes from the Northern Areas. Northern Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Shehbaz Khan advocate and Vice-President Qari Hafizur Rahman spoke on the occasion. The movement comprises the NACCI, Hotel Owners Association, Central Union of Traders and Northern Areas Transporters Association.