ISLAMABAD, The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, convened at the Parliament House to deliberate on several key trade matters, including the “Imports and Exports (Control) Amendment Bill, 2023.”

According to Senate of Pakistan, the bill, introduced by Senators Zeeshan Khanzada, Faisal Saleem Rehman, and Muhammad Abdul Qadir, seeks to restrict the export of raw salt and calls for the Federal Government to impose conditions on its export. The Ministry of Commerce argued that the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, is the primary legal framework for regulating international trade in Pakistan and that specific prohibitions and restrictions should not be included in the Act itself.

Deputy Chairman Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi highlighted Pakistan’s vast and pure rock salt reserves, stressing the need for a policy that maxim

izes revenue from this commodity. The committee decided to defer the matter for further deliberation and to consult stakeholders on the legality of the amendment.

Additionally, the committee discussed the duty-free import of cars up to 1350cc for disabled persons. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir proposed allowing disabled persons to import used cars, as new ones are often unaffordable. The Ministry clarified that disabled individuals can import new cars up to 1350cc duty-free once in ten years, and the Committee recommended allowing used car imports up to 1500cc once in 5 years. The matter was referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration of sales tax exemption.

The committee also reviewed the strategy for resolving debt payment issues faced by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to various government entities. The TCP Chairman briefed the committee on the current status of debts and liabilities and ongoing efforts for recovery. The Committee decided to continue discussing the matter until a resolution is reached.

Furthermore, the committee was briefed on efforts to enhance KINNOW exports, with an export target of 150 million dollars set for the current season. Deputy Chairman Senate Afridi suggested including South Korea in the export destinations and recommended the ministry to devise an export strategy for oranges produced in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senators Fida Muhammad, Saleem Mandviwalla, Danesh Kumar, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Special Secretary Commerce Sarah Saeed, Chairman TCP Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, and other senior officials.