ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has withdrawn ban on the exports of poultry products to Afghanistan.
This was stated by Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq. “It would not only reduce the prices of poultry in Afghanistan but would also ensure the supply of fresh chicken and eggs to the general population,” Ambassador Sadiq said in twitter post.
He further said that Pakistan was also working with the large poultry businesses to invest in joint ventures with Afghan traders so that the indigenous production of poultry in Afghanistan was increased to self sufficiency level.
2/2 Pakistan is also working with the large poultry businesses to invest in joint ventures with Afghan traders so that the indigenous production of poultry in Afghanistan is increased to self sufficiency level.
— Mohammad Sadiq (@AmbassadorSadiq) September 28, 2021
Earlier the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) lifted sales tax on the import of fresh fruits from Afghanistan. However, it stated that import of apples from Afghanistan is not exempted from sales tax while grapes, pomegranates, and watermelons can be imported without paying sales tax.
The FBR has issued directions to the customs collectors of Peshawar and Quetta. It is to be noted that the FBR was charging 20 percent sales tax on the import of fresh fruits from Afghanistan.
Grapes are produced mainly in North Afghanistan, including Badakhshan, Panjsher. Afghan traders have welcomed the decision to end sales tax on the import of fresh fruit from Afghanistan but expressed disappointment that apples have not been included in the list.
Recently FBR Chairman Dr Mohammad Ashfaq Ahmed, during a visit to Torkham border along with other officials, had said import of fresh fruits from Afghanistan had gained momentum after withdrawal of the sales tax on their import.
He had stated that the sales tax was withdrawn on the request of Sarhad and Khyber chambers of commerce and industries and local importers and custom clearing agents. He reviewed the pace and quality of services being provided by Pakistan Customs to facilitate trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He expressed hope that the staff of Pakistan Customs would maintain the highest standards of professional conduct with regard to discharging its official duty. He ensured clearance of about 1,400 trucks of fruit from Afghanistan that were stuck at the border.
