PESHAWAR
A resolution was unanimously endorsed during a joint meeting of Fruits and Vegetable Merchants held here at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry calling upon Islamabad and Kabul to withdraw unjust exorbitant increases in tariffs/duties. The resolution was presented by SCCI’ president Fuad Ishaq in the meeting.
The resolution furthermore asked to abolish taxes on both sides to ease difficulties of traders and flourish bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The resolution also demanded a free trade agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, if it is not feasible then only FTA should be signed for trade/export of perishable items between the two countries. It also expressed grave concern over the provincial government proposal of setting up new markets within two kilogram and asked the government to foster already established markets and take back the decision of establishing new markets.
The resolution expressed complete trust of the leadership of Businessman Forum leader former senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour and the house was unanimously announced to support the forum in SCCI’ elections 2024-2026.
Leader of Businessman Forum former senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour especially attended the meeting.
The SCCI’ Vice President Ejaz Khan Afridi, former FPCCI president Ghazanfar Bilour, Central President of All Pakistan Agricultural Produce Traders Federation and Chairman of Fruits and Vegetable Standing Committee of Sarhad Chamber, Malik Muhammad Ali Sohni, Peshawar Fruit Traders Association President Haji Alaf Jan, President of Gur Mandi Peshawar Haji Ihsanullah Mohmand, President of Peshawar Mirch Mandi Haji Pir Dilawar, President of Anjuman Tajran Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shaukat Ali Khan, Senior Vice President Usman Ghani, former SCCI’ Faiz Mohammad Faizi, former SVP Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, former vice president Javed Akhtar, executive Committee members Haji Ghulam Hussain, Qaratul Ain and Nadeem Rauf, President Gul, Faiz Rasool, Ishtiaq Paracha and Aftab Iqbal, Aqeel Kayani, Ihsanullah, Fahad Amin, businessmen, exporters and importers attached with the fruits and vegetables business and food items were present in a large number in the meeting.
Fuad Ishaq speaking on the occasion said the business community is protesting against the imposition of illegal and illegal taxes by the government. He said that the economic conditions are very difficult whereas doing business and trade in such a situation is no less than Jihad. He urged the government to review the policies and make them business and trade friendly.
Malik Muhammad Ali Sohni, president of All Pakistan Agricultural Produce Federal, addressed the meeting and pointed out the problems and said that the government has increased taxes from 250 percent to 800 percent due to which the prices of commodities have increased significantly.
He said that the provincial government has decided that new markets will be established after every 2 km which is a very inappropriate and incomprehensible proposal and called for regularizing the already established markets.
Alaf Jan, president of Peshawar Fruits Trade Association, in his speech expressed concern over the imposition of unnecessary and illegal taxes and demanded their immediate withdrawal.
He called for reduction in duties and taxes to promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He proposed the formation of a joint committee between the two neighbouring countries to solve the problems and remove the obstacles in mutual trade.
On this occasion, he expressed full confidence in the leadership of Businessman Forum leader former senator Ilyas Ahmed Bilour and also announced his full cooperation and support in the border chamber elections.
Ihsanullah, president of Gur Mandi, in his speech expressed full confidence in the leadership of the Businessmen’s Forum and assured full cooperation in the election.
Ilyas Ahmed Bilour in his address said that the Businessmen Forum has always served the business community selflessly. He said that the sacrifices and services for the business community are not hidden from anyone.
The BF leader said that the election of the SCCI has been won by the Businessmen’s Forum in the past and by God Willing, the Businessmen’s Forum will win the election again.
