ISLAMABAD, June 16 (APP): Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan Thursday told the Senate that the main reason for imposing 25 percent additional regulatory duty on import of whey powder and meat in the budget was to protect eight million families, associated with livestock business.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, the minister said currently 43 percent duty had been levied on the import of meat and whey powder. The additional duty has been imposed to discourage its import and protecting local business.
He said the meat exports were gradually increasing owing the ban on the exports of livestock.
Meanwhile, Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reforms presented special report of the committee on sea intrusion causing land erosion in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
Senator Taj Haider, presenting the report said Rs 500 million had been demanded for conducting a detailed study of sea intrusion in country’s coastal areas.
Mushahid Hussein Syed demanded to formulate national maritime policy.
Chairman Standing Committee on Defence Senator Mushahid Hussain presented the report of the joint meeting of the Senate Standing Committees on Defence and Foreign affairs in compliance with the Ruling of the Chairman Senate, dated May 2016.
Chairman Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research Senator Muzaffar Hussein Shah presented the sixth follow-up report regarding proposed conversion of 1400 acre land of National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) by Capital Development Authority into residential/commercial plots.
