PESHAWAR: All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association has raised concerns over the 2 per cent Infrastructure Development Surcharge imposed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and requested the removal of the levy.
The matter was taken up as Chairman of the All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association Iftikhar Ahmad, along with a delegation, met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Adviser Muzzammil Aslam at his office.
The delegation included Senior Vice-Chairman Hanan Khan, Atif Rashid Khawaja, Faqir Hussain and Mahmood Shah.They briefed the minister on the association’s establishment in 1989 and its objectives, emphasizing the importance of gemstone exports in the national economy.The delegation highlighted that the association organizes the annual Pakistan Gems and Minerals Show and has successfully arranged 24 such exhibitions so far.
For the upcoming 25th edition, they requested support from the provincial government to enhance both domestic and international participation, which would boost exports, business activity, employment opportunities, and foreign exchange earnings.
They raised concerns over the 2 per cent Infrastructure Development Surcharge imposed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The exporters described the levy as a major financial burden on exporters, and requested its complete removal. Finance Minister Muzzammil Aslam listened to the concerns and directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority to allocate funds in the upcoming budget for the Gems Show. He also assured that the surcharge would be reduced to 0.5 per cent.The delegation expressed gratitude to the adviser for his support.
