The Senate’s Standing Committee was informed that 600 trucks carrying commercial goods were stuck on the Iranian border due to the requirements of import documents. The committee discussed the Senator Anousha Rahman, and the delay in the trade -off trade with Iran and the challenges faced by the merchants.
According to media reports, committee member Salim Mandviola argued that the trade -off trade does not involve payments, which makes the e -import model (EIF) unnecessary. However, the Minister of Trade Jawad Pal explained that the State Bank in Pakistan (SBP) has made EIF a mandatory file, and insisted that merchants announce their goods in the V book to solve the problem. Mandviola did not agree, saying that trade agreements cannot be solid because barter transactions often include the exchange of various goods.
The Chairman of the Committee indicated that the legal organizational order (SRO) that governs the trade -off trade was not currently working. It also highlighted that India and the United Arab Emirates topped the trade -off trade with Iran using its banking channels, indicating that Pakistan should explore a similar model.
Haji Vujan Khan, head of the Dry Fruits Association, told the committee that the merchants were reluctant to reveal their products and commercial partners, which led to the suspension of the movement of goods on the border. He urged the government to simplify regulations and allow the trade -off trade without excessive documents.
However, Ministry of Commerce officials explained that only 10 specific elements are permitted under the trade trade framework. Special Secretary Shakil Ahmed Mangnigo stated that SBP is unwilling to create banking ties with Iran because of international sanctions, adding that the exporters have been informed of the procedures but they have not yet complied.
To resolve the case, the committee formed a working group that includes officials of the Ministry of Trade and merchants participating in the trade -off trade with Iran. The newly appointed CEO (CEO) of the Commercial Development Authority was directed to meet with business representatives in the Chamber of Commerce to explain the procedures for providing EIF and treatment concerns.
In a written response, the Ministry of Commerce stated that other countries such as the Emirates, Hong Kong, China and Singapore have established banking channels with Pakistan, because they are members of the World Trade Organization. Therefore, no exemption from EIF was granted to non -Iranian goods. However, one -time waiver of Iranian goods that are transported by land has been allowed, provided that the main shipping law was issued before October 31, 2024.
The committee also decided to address concerns about officials from other ministries that are published in the authorization of the authorization, which indicates a broader review of administrative policies.
