QUETTA: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwala, in which committee members promised that every possible step would be taken to resolve the issues faced by the business community of Balochistan.
They stated that development of trade guarantees economic prosperity for any country and province, and it also helps in controlling unemployment. The committee added that proposals submitted by the Balochistan business community regarding trade would be given priority.
The meeting was attended by Senator Farooq Hamid Naik, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Shahzeb Durrani, Senator Faisal Vawda, Senator Abdul Qadir, along with presidents of renowned chambers of commerce from across Pakistan.
During the meeting, President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muhammad Ayub Miryani, drew the committee’s attention to the increase in bi-land route valuation, stating that due to the rise in valuation, people are being pushed towards smuggling instead of legal trade, while chambers of commerce discourage smuggling.
He demanded that traders involved in land route business be given a special tax valuation relief of 25 to 30 percent, considering ground realities. He also called for withdrawal of SRO No. 1387/2025, saying that it has resulted in heavy fines on goods.
He further demanded that business gates with Iran be kept open 24 hours and that clearance of cargo vehicles be expedited so that perishable and other goods are not damaged.
He also urged the removal of EIF conditions, warning that if restrictions continue, billions of rupees of business community could be lost.
The Quetta Chamber president also presented budget proposals and informed the committee about the issues related to land route trade with Iran and Afghanistan, trade barriers and difficulties faced by Balochistan’s traders.
On the occasion, the committee assured full support to him. Chairman Senator Saleem Mandviwala and other members reiterated that all possible measures would be taken to resolve the problems of Balochistan’s business community.
They said that trade development is essential for economic prosperity and also helps control unemployment. They added that proposals of the Balochistan business community regarding trade would be prioritised and commitment was expressed to inform relevant authorities and take necessary action.
