Islamabad
A meeting of the Standing Committee on Commerce was convened at the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA.
The Committee held detailed delibration on the Discussions on the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) especialy for metal/steel sector, it was revealed that the Federal Board of Revenue had issued a draft Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) on 12th April 2025, but its final notification remained pending.
Members highlighted the adverse effects of these delays, including increased demurrage costs containers held at ports. Concerns were also raised regarding providing a temporary relief for the iron and steel sector, where members pointed out a lack of follow-through on previously approved recommendations.
The Committee stressed the need for an expedited resolution to support the affected stakeholders and sustain sector growth.
The Committee also unanimously passed “The Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2025” (Government Bill). The Ministry of Commerce informed the Committee about the amendments levied on imports of goods used in foreign grant in aid projects, intended to provide retrospective relief from July 01, 2020 to cover the FY 2020-21.
While acknowledging the bare minimum financial implications of such amendments, the Committee Members agreed that these amendments would serve the broader interests of the country’s economy.
The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mr. Muhammad Mobeen Arif, Mr. Usama Ahmed Mela, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, Mr. Farhan Chishti, Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Chattha, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Kiran Haider, Mr. Gul Asghar Khan and Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Junejo in person.
Whereas, MNAs, Rana Atif, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz and Mr. Ali Sarfaraz attended the meeting virtually. Senior officers from the Ministry of Commerce, FBR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the meeting.
