**Pakistani Parliamentary Committee Tackles Key Trade Issues, Sugar Price Surge, and Export Targets**
The Standing Committee on Commerce of Pakistan convened at Parliament House, Islamabad, to address pressing issues surrounding the nation’s trade and commerce policies, including outstanding government receivables, recent sugar price hikes, and ambitious export targets.
During the meeting, chaired by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA, the Committee reviewed and adopted a sub-committee report on the longstanding unpaid receivables of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The members were informed that the Ministry of Finance has released Rs. 15 billion via the Ministry of Commerce to help TCP recover dues from various ministries and organizations.
The Committee also discussed the recent suspension of SRO 760, which pertains to the Gems and Jewellery Association of Pakistan. Members expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s proactive steps and welcomed assurances of a swift resolution to the matter.
Amid concerns over a looming sugar crisis and escalating prices, the Committee took serious note of the government’s decision to import sugar. The Chairman voiced particular concern for the impact on consumers and resolved to investigate the situation further, especially to uncover any profiteering and market manipulation. To this end, a sub-committee has been established with the mandate to submit a report within 15 days.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of representatives from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and the Fruit Juice Council (FJC) at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of broad stakeholder engagement in shaping policy.
In deliberations on the Pakistan National Tariff Policy, Committee members engaged in debates regarding the government’s approach to vehicle taxation—questioning the rationale behind reduced taxes on large cars and increased levies on smaller vehicles. The Committee also called for the liberalization of raw material and machinery imports to promote industrial development and improve overall productivity.
A key topic was the feasibility of achieving the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) proposed export target of $60 billion by 2029. TDAP leaders voiced confidence in reaching this goal through new initiatives and rationalized policies but acknowledged ongoing challenges and recent declines in specific export sectors.
The meeting was attended by several MNAs in person, including Muhammad Mobeen Arif, Usama Ahmed Mela, Shaista Pervaiz, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Muhammad Atif, Tahira Aurangzeb, Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, Shahida Rehmani, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Rana Atif. MNAs Asad Alam Niazi, Muhammad Ali Sarfaraz, Farhan Chishti, and Gul Asghar Khan participated virtually.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the State Bank of Pakistan were also in attendance, ensuring broad governmental input on the issues discussed.
